debe tener
/debe teneɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "must have" is translated into Spanish as debe tener.
debe tener is used to express a strong necessity or requirement for someone to possess something. For a more formal way to express that something is essential, you can use the adjective Imprescindible.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the conjugated verb deber (must/ought to) and the infinitive tener (to have).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase ser imprescindible is used to convey the idea of "must have".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must agree in number with the subject. For example, use deben tener for "they must have" and debes tener for the informal "you must have". The specific form debe tener can mean "he/she/it must have" or the polite "you must have".
How do you pronounce it?
/debe teneɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, if you want to say someone 'must have' a certain physical characteristic, like blue eyes, you use tener instead of ser. This is because traits are viewed as things you possess rather than things you are.
- While debe tener expresses a requirement, if you want to say someone 'must have' done something in the past, you must switch to debe haber.
- The verb tener comes from the Latin 'tenēre', which originally meant 'to stretch' or 'to hold out', a concept still seen in the English word 'tenacious'.
Examples in context
- Una modelo debe tener un cuerpo atractivo.A model must have an attractive body.This sentence shows how to describe a requirement for a model.Tatoeba #1701648 by teskmon, translation #30357 by CK
- Usted debe tener una licencia de conductor antes de conducir un auto.You must have a driver's license before you can drive a car.This sentence describes a requirement for a driver's license.Tatoeba #994478 by hayastan, translation #265588 by CK
- Claro está, un acróbata debe tener un perfecto sentido del equilibrio.Of course, an acrobat must have a perfect sense of balance.This sentence describes a requirement for an acrobat's sense of balance.Tatoeba #13274205 by Eremon, translation #2897658 by neil
- Este coche debe tener un buen sistema de seguridadThis car must have a good security system
- Tienes que tener un buen sentido del humor para disfrutar de la vidaYou have to have a good sense of humor to enjoy life
- En un picnic, la comida no puede faltarIn a picnic, food must not be missing
- En verano, es indispensable usar protector solarIn summer, it is essential to use sunscreen
- La elegancia es imprescindible en una cena formalElegance is a must have in a formal dinner
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing the requirements for a new job.
- María¿Qué requisitos pide la empresa?What requirements does the company ask for?
- DanielEl candidato debe tener un título universitario.The candidate must have a university degree.
- MaríaEntiendo, es un puesto muy serio.I see, it is a very serious position.
- DanielSí, y también debe tener mucha paciencia.Yes, and he must also have a lot of patience.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tener, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
