Using Hace + length of time + que + present tense in Spanish to say how long one has done something

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Learn how to talk about actions that have happened so far and are still ongoing with "hace" in Spanish

To talk about an action or event that started in the past but is still ongoing in the present, for example, that you have done something for + [duration], you use:

Hace + [length of time] + que + action in El Presente

 Have a look and listen to these examples:

Hace 3 meses que Nuria vive en California.Nuria has lived in California for 3 months.

Hace algunos días que tengo dolor de cabeza.I've had a headache for a few days.

Hace un mes que estudio español en la academia.I have been studying Spanish at the academy for a month.

Hace una semana que no veo a Marcos.I haven't seen Marcos for a week.

Be careful, because this structure needs to be placed at the beginning of the sentence as shown in the examples above.

Trabajo en este supermercado hace 3 años que.
Hace 3 años que trabajo en este supermercado.
I have worked in this supermarket for 3 years.

You can never use El Pretérito Perfecto with hace...que:
Hace dos años que no fumo (que no he fumado)
To learn other ways to express how long one has done something see also Using desde (hace) with the present instead of the perfect tense to express since/for

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Examples and resources

Hace 3 meses que Nuria vive en California.Nuria has lived in California for 3 months.
Hace algunos días que tengo dolor de cabeza.I've had a headache for a few days.
Hace un mes que estudio español en la academia.I have been studying Spanish at the academy for a month.
Hace una semana que no veo a Marcos.I haven't seen Marcos for a week.
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