hacerlo

Hacerlo is a Spanish verb phrase formed by the verb hacer (to do, to make) combined with the direct object pronoun lo. The lo functions as a neuter reference to a previously mentioned action, event, or situation, so hacerlo translates to “to do it” or “to make it.” The phrase is widely used across Spanish-speaking regions.

Etymology and grammar notes: Hacer comes from Latin facere. The attached pronoun lo agrees in gender and number with the object it replaces; lo stands for masculine or neuter concepts, while la would replace feminine nouns, and los/las plurals for plural objects. When lo refers to an entire clause or idea, the neuter lo is appropriate.

Usage and examples: Hacerlo appears in many constructions. With an infinitive: Quiero hacerlo. Voy a hacerlo. With compound tenses: Lo he hecho. Lo había hecho. In the imperative: Hazlo. No lo hagas. For ustedes: Háganlo. In sentences with multiple pronouns or more complex forms, accent marks may be used to preserve stress, as in háganlo or dímelo.

Nuances and context: Hacerlo emphasizes the action rather than the actor and is common in everyday speech, instructions, promises, and reflections about completing tasks. The pronoun lo can refer to a concrete object or to an abstract idea or entire proposition, depending on context. Related forms include hacer, el uso de pronombres de objeto directo, and phrases like hacer bien/mal something, hacerlo de inmediato, or volver a hacerlo.

See also: Hacer, pronombres de objeto directo, reglas de acentuación en clíticos.