haz lo que quieras
/aθ lo ke kjeɾas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "do what you want" is translated into Spanish as haz lo que quieras.
This phrase is used to tell someone they have the freedom to make their own choice or decision. Depending on the tone of voice, this phrase can range from a genuine expression of permission to a dismissive or angry way of saying "I don't care what you do".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative haz (do), lo que (that which) and the subjunctive quieras (you may want).
Which one should you use?
The use of the subjunctive quieras instead of the indicative quieres is what gives the phrase its sense of "whatever it is that you might want to do".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you can say haz lo que te dé la real gana instead of haz lo que te dé la gana to add emphasis.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spain, when addressing a group of people informally, the phrase becomes haced lo que queráis. In Latin America, when addressing a group of people informally, the phrase becomes hagan lo que quieran.
How do you pronounce it?
/aθ lo ke kjeɾas/
Did you know?
- The command haz comes from the Latin 'faciēs', but it is also a doublet of 'facies', which refers to the 'face' or 'appearance' of something.
- While haz lo que quieras is the standard phrase, Spanish speakers often use the word gana to express desire, which literally translates to 'gain' or 'profit'.
- In a heated argument, saying haz lo que quieras is often accompanied by a shrug and a sharp exhale, signaling that the speaker has completely given up on the conversation.
Examples in context
- Haz lo que quieras.Do what you want.This sentence is a simple example of the phrase haz lo que quieras.Tatoeba #339265 by tatoerique, translation #1128006 by CK
- Haz lo que quieras, no me importa.Do what you want. I don't care.This sentence shows how haz lo que quieras can be used alongside a dismissive statement.Tatoeba #10350444 by DJ_Saidez, translation #10091780 by shekitten
- Si ya has terminado tus tareas, haz lo que quierasIf you have already finished your tasks, do what you want
- Esta noche, puedes hacer lo que quierasTonight, you can do what you want
- En esta organización, tienes libertad para hacer lo que quierasIn this organization, you have the freedom to do what you want
- Tenemos tiempo libre, así que haz lo que te dé la ganaWe have free time, so do whatever you want
- Estamos de vacaciones, así que eres libre de hacer lo que quierasWe're on vacation, so you are free to do what you want
- Si prefieres ir al cine, haz lo que quieras.If you prefer to go to the cinema, do what you want.
Example conversation
Sofía asks Alejandro for advice on a weekend plan.
- Alejandro¿Quieres salir a cenar conmigo esta noche?Do you want to go out to dinner with me tonight?
- SofíaNo estoy muy segura, ¿qué plan tienes?I'm not very sure, what plan do you have?
- AlejandroPodemos ir a un bar o quedarnos en casa, haz lo que quieras.We can go to a bar or stay at home, do what you want.
- SofíaEstá bien, entonces quedémonos en casa.Alright, then let's stay at home.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries haz, lo, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
