Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tener que | /teneɾ ke/ (from spelling rules) | |
| haber de | /abeɾ de/ (from spelling rules) | |
| no tener más que | /no teneɾ mas ke/ (from spelling rules) | |
| no quedar(le) de otra que | ||
| haber que | /abeɾ ke/ (from spelling rules) | impersonal |
The phrase is used to express an obligation. To indicate this obligation using the verb tener, you must include the preposition que. To express that someone is forced into a situation because there are no other alternatives, you can use no quedar(le) de otra que, which translates to 'to have no other choice but to'.
Which one should you use?
While tener que is used when a specific person has an obligation, the impersonal haber que is used to express that something must be done in a general sense without a specific subject (similar to 'one has to' or 'it is necessary to').
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more formal or literary contexts, you may use haber de or the verb deber, which implies a sense of duty or moral obligation. In informal settings, particularly in Latin American countries, the verb tocar is often used to express responsibilities or obligations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase tener que is always followed by an infinitive (the unconjugated form of a verb) to express the obligation. To say 'I have to', you must conjugate the verb tener to the first person singular form, which is tengo que.
How do you pronounce it?
/teneɾ ke/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use tener alone to mean 'have to'. You must include que to form tener que to express an obligation.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Voy a tener que pasar de eso.I'm going to have to pass on that.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase tener que when deciding to pass on something.Tatoeba #5695273 by arh, translation #2540525 by CK
- No voy a tener que hacer eso.I'm not going to have to do that.This sentence is useful for practicing the negative form of tener que.Tatoeba #6706857 by arh, translation #6706304 by CK
- Vas a tener que ocuparte de Tom.You'll have to look out for Tom.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of tener que regarding looking out for someone.Tatoeba #5575130 by marcelostockle, translation #3819319 by CK
- Tengo que terminar este informe antes de la reunión.I have to finish this report before the meeting.
- Tiene que estudiar para el examen final.He/she has to study for the final exam.
- Tenemos que llegar puntualmente a la conferencia.We have to arrive promptly to the conference.
- Debes respetar las normas de la empresa.You must respect the company's rules.
- Ellos deben presentar un informe detallado.They must submit a detailed report.
- La directora debe revisar esos documentos.The director has to review those documents.
- Tengo que ir al supermercado.I have to go to the supermarket.
- Tienes que hacer la tarea hoy.You have to do the homework today.
- Tenemos que comprar regalos para la fiesta.We have to buy gifts for the party.
- Me toca cocinar la cena esta noche.It's my turn to cook dinner tonight.
- Te toca lavar los platos.It's your turn to wash the dishes.
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “have to” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, haber, más, no, que, tener, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
