Spanish Phrase
Que un disco duro haga clic es grave.
Meaning
The sentence warns that it is a serious problem if a computer's hard drive starts making a clicking sound. In tech jargon, a clicking hard drive often signals mechanical failure.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing computer hardware issues with friends, colleagues, or tech support, especially to stress the urgency of backing up data.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Queundiscodurohagaclicesgrave
Que + Subjunctive
When 'que' introduces a clause that expresses a judgment, fear, or uncertainty, the verb that follows must be in the subjunctive mood.
Haga (subjunctive of hacer)
The verb 'hacer' changes to 'haga' in the present subjunctive for all persons (yo, tú, él/ella, etc.).
Clic (loanword)
‘Clic’ is a borrowed English noun used in Spanish to describe the short, sharp sound a hard drive can make.
Es grave (impersonal construction)
‘Es grave’ is an impersonal expression meaning ‘it is serious’; it does not agree with any noun.
🗨In Conversation
¿Escuchaste ese ruido extraño del ordenador?
Did you hear that strange noise from the computer?
Sí, que un disco duro haga clic es grave; debemos hacer una copia de seguridad ahora.
Yes, it's serious if a hard drive clicks; we should back up right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Que un disco duro hace clic es grave.
After ‘que’ expressing a judgment, the verb must be in the subjunctive, not the indicative.
Grave que un disco duro haga clic es.
The correct order is ‘Que … es grave’, not ‘Grave que … es’. The impersonal ‘es grave’ follows the clause.
↔Alternatives
Es grave que un disco duro haga clic.
It is serious that a hard drive makes a click.
Si un disco duro hace clic, es un problema serio.
If a hard drive clicks, it's a serious problem.
Un disco duro que hace clic indica una falla grave.
A hard drive that clicks indicates a serious failure.
Cultural Tip
In Spanish-speaking tech circles, the onomatopoeic ‘clic’ is widely understood and often used to describe the warning sound of failing hardware. The phrase ‘es grave’ carries a formal tone; in casual conversation you might hear ‘es un lío serio’ or ‘es un problema grande’.