How do you spell hecho and echo in Spanish?

By Marta Díaz on Thursday, July 17, 2025

One of the most common doubts among Spanish learners when writing is knowing when to use “hecho” with an “h” and when to use ‘echo’ without an “h”. Both words sound the same, so they are Spanish homophones, but they have completely different meanings and functions.

Therefore, confusing hecho and echo can lead to grammatical errors that completely change the meaning of what you want to say. As experts in teaching Spanish, Enforex wants to clear up all your doubts about when to use hecho and when to use echo. In this article, discover what type of words hecho and echo are, when they are used, what their differences are, and how to recognize which one to write in which context. You will also find examples and practical exercises to practice.

Hecho

Hecho with an “h” is the past participle of the verb hacer, although it can also function as a noun, depending on the context. It is used in compound tenses, such as the present perfect (he hecho, había hecho, etc.) or in the passive voice (fue hecho).

For example: He hecho todo lo que me pediste (I've done everything you asked me to do)

And hecho as a noun can also be a specific event or occurrence, something that happens or has happened. In this case, it would be more like ‘a fact’ than just hecho.

For example: El accidente fue un hecho lamentable (The accident was a regrettable event)

Echo

Meanwhile, echo without an h is a conjugated form of the verb “echar”. It is the present indicative (yo echo) or the imperative (echo esto). Thus, echar or echo is an action that involves throwing, expelling, dropping, putting, letting out, or pouring something.

For example:

• Siempre echo azúcar en el café (I always put sugar in my coffee)
• Te echo mucho de menos (I miss you very much)

Key differences between hecho and echo

Although both words in Spanish sound the same, they have nothing to do with each other grammatically or semantically. Here we explain the main differences between echo and hecho in Spanish:

They do not have the same origin, as hecho comes from the verb hacer and echo from the verb echar. They are not spelled the same either, as one has an h and the other does not: hecho always has an h and echo never has an h.

Their function is also different. While hecho can be a verbal participle or a noun, echo is the present tense form of echar when conjugated in the first-person singular.

In addition, their meanings also vary: hecho refers to something that has already happened or to an event, and echo implies an action that is being performed now of speaking.

Common mistakes in Spanish made by students when using echo and hecho:

• Saying “me ha echo un regalo” → should be “me ha hecho un regalo”
• Writing “lo he hechado de menos” → should be “lo he echado de menos”

Tips for using hecho or echo

Here are some tips on how to figure out whether to use hecho or echo:

• If you can replace the verb with tirar or poner, use echo (without an h). Example: Echo sal a la ensalada
• If it is something that has already happened, something that is finished, or an event, use hecho with an h. Example: Es un hecho real.

Remember that the verb hacer always has an h and the verb echar is never written with an h, even though they sound the same. So “echo” (from echar) never has an h, while hecho from hacer does.

Examples with hecho vs. echo

Here are some examples of sentences with hecho and echo so you can see how and when each word is used in different contexts:

• He hecho todo lo posible para ayudarte (I have done everything I can to help you)
• Echo la basura todos los días por la noche (I take out the trash every night)
• El hecho de que llegues tarde siempre me molesta (The fact that you are always late bothers me)
• Este trabajo está bien hecho (This job is well done)
• Siempre echo de menos a mi abuela (I always miss my grandmother)
• Echo la leche en el café antes que el azúcar (I put milk in my coffee before sugar)
• Es un hecho comprobado científicamente (It's a scientifically proven fact)
• ¿Ya has hecho tu maleta para el viaje? (Have you packed your suitcase for the trip yet?)
• Cada vez que te vas, te echo de menos más (Every time you leave, I miss you more)
• Echo el abrigo sobre la silla cuando llego (I throw my coat on the chair when I get home)

Practical exercises with hecho vs echo

If you already know how to use hecho and echo, here are some exercises to complete the sentences. Use hecho or echo in the sentences below. You will find the answers below:

• Siempre __________ una siesta después de comer.
• ¿Has __________ todo lo que te pedí?
• Me siento mal por lo que he __________ ayer.
• Cada vez que llueve, __________ de menos los días soleados.
• ¿Qué has __________ con los documentos importantes?
• Nunca __________ azúcar en el té, prefiero el sabor natural.
• El pastel que preparaste está muy bien __________.
• Cuando me enojo, a veces digo cosas sin haberlas __________ a pensar.
• Ya he __________ la reserva para el viaje.
• Siempre __________ la culpa a los demás, pero nunca se responsabiliza.

Answers: echo, hecho, hecho, echo, hecho, echo, hecho, hecho, hecho, echa.

The key is to pause for a second before writing and think about the meaning of the sentence. If you think of the verb “hacer,” it takes an h. If it's “echar,” it goes without an h. Although they sound the same, they are spelled differently and mean very different things. The most important thing is to practice, read, or take intensive Spanish courses to improve with professionals who can help you resolve all your doubts.