Meaning
To heed advice, instructions, or warnings from someone.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'hacer caso' is very direct. If a friend says 'Hazme caso', they are being helpful and assertive. It's common in bars, shops, and families. In Mexico, 'hacer caso' is often used by parents to emphasize 'respeto'. There is a strong cultural expectation that children 'hagan caso' without questioning. While 'hacer caso' is used, 'dar bola' is the informal equivalent you'll hear on the streets of Buenos Aires, especially among young people. Colombians might use 'hacer caso' with a very polite tone, often adding 'por favor' even in commands, reflecting the generally formal social etiquette of the region.
The Pronoun Power
Always try to use a pronoun (me, te, le). Saying just 'Hice caso' sounds incomplete. 'Le hice caso' sounds like a native speaker.
Don't 'Pay'!
Never say 'pagar atención'. It's the #1 mistake for English speakers. Use 'hacer caso' or 'prestar atención'.
Meaning
To heed advice, instructions, or warnings from someone.
The Pronoun Power
Always try to use a pronoun (me, te, le). Saying just 'Hice caso' sounds incomplete. 'Le hice caso' sounds like a native speaker.
Don't 'Pay'!
Never say 'pagar atención'. It's the #1 mistake for English speakers. Use 'hacer caso' or 'prestar atención'.
Ni caso
Use 'ni caso' to mean 'no attention at all'. It's very common and adds great emphasis. 'No me hizo ni caso'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'hacer caso' and the necessary pronoun.
Si tú __________ (hacer caso) a tus padres, no estarías en problemas ahora.
This is a second conditional sentence (Si + imperfect subjunctive), so 'hicieras caso' is the correct form.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural way to say 'Don't listen to him'.
'No le hagas caso' uses the correct indirect object pronoun and the standard idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Por qué estás enojada? B: Porque le di un buen consejo a María y ella __________.
The past tense 'hizo' with the pronoun 'me' is the most natural way to express that someone ignored your advice.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A child is about to touch a hot stove.
'Hazme caso' is a strong command used for safety and obedience.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Regional Variations
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSi tú __________ (hacer caso) a tus padres, no estarías en problemas ahora.
This is a second conditional sentence (Si + imperfect subjunctive), so 'hicieras caso' is the correct form.
Choose the natural way to say 'Don't listen to him'.
'No le hagas caso' uses the correct indirect object pronoun and the standard idiom.
A: ¿Por qué estás enojada? B: Porque le di un buen consejo a María y ella __________.
The past tense 'hizo' with the pronoun 'me' is the most natural way to express that someone ignored your advice.
Situation: A child is about to touch a hot stove.
'Hazme caso' is a strong command used for safety and obedience.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, use 'prestar atención' or 'ver'. 'Hacer caso' implies following instructions or advice.
No, it's neutral. However, '¡Hazme caso!' as a command can be perceived as bossy depending on your tone.
Use 'a' for people ('hacer caso a mi madre') and 'de' for things or abstract ideas ('hacer caso de los rumores').
Yes, for following professional advice or market trends. 'La empresa no hizo caso de las advertencias del mercado'.
Simply use the negative: 'No hacer caso'.
Yes, adding the 'le' is very common and often preferred in many dialects for clarity.
'Obedecer' is more about rules and laws; 'hacer caso' is more about advice and social interaction.
Yes, it is universally understood and used from Spain to Chile.
Yes, it's very common to say 'No le hice caso al GPS'.
It's a formal way to say 'to disregard' or 'to ignore deliberately'.
Example: 'Espero que me hagas caso'. Use it after expressions of desire or doubt.
Yes, in the sense of 'taking someone seriously'. 'Ella no me hace caso' can mean 'She doesn't notice me/isn't interested in me'.
No, we usually use the whole phrase. You wouldn't say 'un caso' to mean 'an act of listening'.
The opposite is 'ignorar' or 'desoír'.
Related Phrases
Prestar atención
similarTo pay attention (focus).
Hacer caso omiso
specialized formTo deliberately ignore.
Obedecer
synonymTo obey.
Pasar de alguien
contrastTo ignore someone completely (slang).
Tomar en cuenta
similarTo take into consideration.
