Meaning
To forget past mistakes or conflicts and start anew.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often linked to the 'Pacto del Olvido' during the transition to democracy, where the country decided to move forward without prosecuting crimes from the Civil War era. In Mexican 'telenovelas', this phrase is a staple for dramatic scenes where lovers reunite after a betrayal. Used frequently in the context of the economy, especially when the government announces a new currency or debt restructuring. In the context of the peace process, this phrase is debated: can a society truly 'hacer borrón' without justice?
Use 'Hagamos'
If you want to sound natural when suggesting a fresh start, use 'Hagamos' (Let's make). It's the most common way to initiate the phrase.
Don't over-conjugate
While 'hacer' changes, 'borrón y cuenta nueva' stays exactly as it is. Never say 'borrones' or 'cuentas nuevas' in this idiom.
Meaning
To forget past mistakes or conflicts and start anew.
Use 'Hagamos'
If you want to sound natural when suggesting a fresh start, use 'Hagamos' (Let's make). It's the most common way to initiate the phrase.
Don't over-conjugate
While 'hacer' changes, 'borrón y cuenta nueva' stays exactly as it is. Never say 'borrones' or 'cuentas nuevas' in this idiom.
The 'Con' Connection
Always use the preposition 'con' to specify what you are starting over with: 'Hacer borrón y cuenta nueva CON el pasado'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'hacer'.
Si queremos salvar nuestra amistad, nosotros _________ borrón y cuenta nueva.
The sentence expresses a suggestion or desire, requiring the subjunctive 'hagamos'.
Which situation is most appropriate for this phrase?
A situation where 'hacer borrón y cuenta nueva' fits perfectly:
The phrase specifically implies letting go of past grievances to restart a relationship.
Match the part of the phrase to its meaning.
Match the components:
Understanding the components helps remember the whole idiom.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Juan: 'Siento mucho lo que dije ayer.' María: 'No te preocupes. _________.'
María is proposing a mutual fresh start.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSi queremos salvar nuestra amistad, nosotros _________ borrón y cuenta nueva.
The sentence expresses a suggestion or desire, requiring the subjunctive 'hagamos'.
A situation where 'hacer borrón y cuenta nueva' fits perfectly:
The phrase specifically implies letting go of past grievances to restart a relationship.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the components helps remember the whole idiom.
Juan: 'Siento mucho lo que dije ayer.' María: 'No te preocupes. _________.'
María is proposing a mutual fresh start.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is universally understood and used in all Spanish-speaking countries, from Spain to Argentina.
Absolutely. If you failed your diet on Monday, you can say 'Mañana hago borrón y cuenta nueva' to mean you're starting fresh on Tuesday.
It is neutral. You can use it in a business meeting or with your best friend.
'Empezar de cero' is more general. 'Hacer borrón y cuenta nueva' specifically implies that there were mistakes or problems in the past that you are choosing to ignore.
This is the exact equivalent: 'Hacer borrón y cuenta nueva'.
Rarely. It is almost always a positive, constructive phrase about moving forward.
No, the articles are omitted in the standard idiom. Just 'hacer borrón y cuenta nueva'.
Outside of this phrase, 'borrón' is less common today, but you might see it in 'borrador' (eraser).
No, the order is fixed. It must be 'borrón' then 'cuenta nueva'.
Yes, many Spanish authors use it to describe characters seeking redemption or a new life.
Related Phrases
Empezar de cero
synonymTo start from zero.
Pasar página
similarTo turn the page.
Hacer tabla rasa
specialized formTo make a clean slate (Latin: tabula rasa).
Agua pasada no mueve molino
contrastPast water doesn't move the mill.
