tiene que
/tjene ke/from spelling rules
The English phrase "has to" is translated into Spanish as tiene que.
The phrase tiene que is a common way to express obligation or necessity. When using this phrase, it is followed by an infinitive, which is the unconjugated form of a verb.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes depending on the subject of the sentence. Use tengo que when the subject is "I" (yo). Use tienes que when addressing a single person informally (tú).
Did you know?
- Even though tiene que translates to 'has to', it is often used in Spanish to express a prediction or an almost certain future event.
- If a speaker wants to emphasize that something 'absolutely must' happen, they might add the word sí o sí after the phrase tiene que.
- The word que in tiene que is a distant relative of the English word 'who'. Both trace their roots back to the same Proto-Indo-European ancestor.
Examples in context
- Tom tiene que ir.Tom has to go.This example shows how to say Tom has to go using tiene que.Tatoeba #3136578 by marcelostockle, translation #2649188 by CK
- Esto tiene que parar.This has to stop.This example shows how to say This has to stop using tiene que.Tatoeba #1721207 by marcelostockle, translation #1721103 by Spamster
- Él tiene que trabajar.He has to work.This example shows how to say He has to work using tiene que.Tatoeba #1258259 by Shishir, translation #12912971 by araneo
- María tiene que estudiar para el examen mañana.María has to study for the exam tomorrow.
- El director debe asistir a la reunión esta tarde.The manager has to attend the meeting this afternoon.
- Los empleados necesitan completar el informe antes de la fecha límite.The employees have to complete the report before the deadline.
- Tengo que ir al supermercado.I have to go to the supermarket.
- Debo llamar a mis amigos.I have to call my friends.
- Me toca hacer los quehaceres hoy.I have to do the chores today.
- 203 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing their responsibilities at home.
- Javier¿Elena, qué tiene que hacer Javier hoy?Elena, what does Javier have to do today?
- ElenaÉl tiene que arreglar la mesa.He has to fix the table.
- JavierYo también tengo que ayudar.I have to help too.
- ElenaSí, tú tienes que ser muy rápido.Yes, you have to be very fast.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
