tener que + infinitive
have to: tener que
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Say what someone has to do with tener que + infinitive. Practice obligations, questions, and the difference between no tener que and a prohibition.
have to: tener que
tener que + infinitive marks obligation: Tengo que hacerlo. hay que is more general: Hay que hacer estos ejercicios.
Change tener, keep the infinitive
| Subject | Pattern |
|---|---|
| yo | tengo que salir |
| tú | tienes que salir |
| él / ella / usted | tiene que salir |
| nosotros / nosotras | tenemos que salir |
| vosotros / vosotras | tenéis que salir |
| ellos / ellas / ustedes | tienen que salir |
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Use it in a conversation
Change tener for the person and leave the next verb in the infinitive. The obligation can concern tomorrow or another time. No tener que means not having to do something; it does not mean being forbidden to do it.
Tenemos que salir a las ocho.
We have to leave at eight.
¿Tienes que trabajar el sábado?
Do you have to work on Saturday?
No tienes que pagar hoy.
You do not have to pay today.
Hear the pattern
Hear tengo que and tenemos que in a short Spanish lesson. Read the examples and practice talking about something you need to do.
Common mix-ups
You must include the word "que" between tener and the infinitive verb.
I have to study Spanish.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.
A friend asks about tomorrow. Say that you have to buy bread.
Show one possible answer
Mañana tengo que comprar pan.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
Keep practicing
Related grammar
Practice Spanish grammar in context
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