quehacer
Lemma Details
Translation: chore; task; duty; occupation; business
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Quehacer is a compound noun formed from the verb 'querer' (to want) and 'hacer' (to do), literally meaning 'what to do'. It evolved from the phrase 'que hacer' (what to do) into a single noun representing tasks or duties that need to be done. This formation pattern is similar to English compounds like 'to-do' or 'must-do', though in Spanish it has fully lexicalized into a single noun.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Tengo muchos quehaceres que terminar hoy.
I have many chores to finish today.
Los quehaceres domésticos deben ser compartidos por toda la familia.
Household chores should be shared by the whole family.
Su principal quehacer es la investigación científica.
His main occupation is scientific research.
Entre tantos quehaceres, apenas tengo tiempo para descansar.
With so many tasks, I barely have time to rest.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'que' (what) + 'hacer' (to do) = 'what to do' or tasks that need doing
- Remember it as similar to an English 'to-do list' - things that need doing
- Visualize a list of chores with 'que hacer' (what to do) written at the top
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'quehaceres' often refers specifically to household duties and responsibilities. The term 'quehaceres domésticos' is particularly common when discussing the distribution of household tasks among family members.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Quehacer' is a noun meaning 'chore' or 'task', while 'hacer' is a verb meaning 'to do' or 'to make'.
Notes: 'Quehacer' is derived from 'hacer' but functions grammatically as a noun rather than a verb.
Mnemonic: 'Quehacer' has the 'que' prefix, making it a noun (the 'what-to-do'), while 'hacer' alone is the action verb (to do).
Explanation: While both refer to responsibilities, 'quehacer' specifically refers to tasks or chores, while 'deber' means 'duty' in a more abstract or moral sense, or as a verb means 'should/must'.
Notes: 'Deber' can also be a verb meaning 'should' or 'must', while 'quehacer' is always a noun.
Mnemonic: 'Quehacer' is concrete (actual tasks), while 'deber' is more abstract (moral obligation).