What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is a periphrasis where hacer means 'to make' and cumplir means 'to fulfill' or 'to comply'. Literally, it translates to 'to make comply/fulfill'.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific context of enforcement. Use Ejecutar when referring to carrying out or executing enforceable court orders or decisions. Use Imponer when the enforcement involves imposing penalties or sanctions. While hacer cumplir focuses on making others comply, the single verb cumplir means 'to comply' or 'to fulfill' oneself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Peninsular Spanish, you can use aplicar as an alternative to enforce when referring to the application or enforcement of laws, regulations or policies.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are enforcing a specific law or rule, hacer cumplir is often followed directly by the noun it governs, such as in the phrase hacer cumplir la ley (to enforce the law).
How do you pronounce it?
/aθeɾ kumpliɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb cumplir in hacer cumplir is used to talk about birthdays. Instead of saying you 'are' or 'have' a certain age, you cumplir a number of years.
- In a legal context, ejecutar describes the administrative enforcement of a court order. While it translates to 'execute', it does not refer to a death sentence in this specific usage.
- The word cumplir is a linguistic rarity because it kept its original Latin /pl/ sound. Most other Spanish words with that sound pattern changed over time, though Portuguese cumprir did the same.
Examples in context
- Las autoridades tienen la responsabilidad de hacer cumplir las normas de tráfico.The authorities have the responsibility to enforce traffic regulations.
- El juez emitió una orden de arresto que debe ser ejecutada por la policía.The judge issued an arrest warrant that must be enforced by the police.
- El gobierno decidió imponer fuertes multas a las empresas que incumplen las regulaciones ambientales.The government decided to impose heavy fines on companies that fail to comply with environmental regulations.
- Los padres deben hacer respetar las normas en casa.Parents should enforce the rules at home.
- Es importante hacer valer nuestros derechos como ciudadanos.It is important to enforce our rights as citizens.
- Las autoridades aplicarán las nuevas medidas para frenar la propagación del virus.The authorities will enforce/implement the new measures to curb the spread of the virus.
- La policía debe hacer cumplir la ley.The police must enforce the law.
- El gobierno quiere hacer cumplir las nuevas reglas.The government wants to enforce the new rules.
- Es difícil hacer cumplir este contrato.It is difficult to enforce this contract.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing workplace regulations at the office.
- Alejandro¿Cómo vamos a hacer cumplir el nuevo horario?How are we going to enforce the new schedule?
- ElenaDebemos ser muy estrictos con todos.We must be very strict with everyone.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Elena, es necesario.You are right, Elena, it is necessary.
- ElenaEs la única forma de hacer cumplir el orden.It is the only way to enforce order.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cumplir, hacer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
