What does it mean word for word?
Literally, tienes que translates to "you have that" (tienes meaning "you have" and que meaning "that" or "which"), though it functions together to mean "you have to".
Which one should you use?
The various forms of this phrase are chosen based on who you are addressing and how many people you are speaking to. For example, while tienes que is used for a single person you know well, tiene que is used for a single person you are addressing with respect.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, tenéis que is used to say "you all have to" in an informal setting. In Latin America, tienen que is the standard way to say "you all have to", though in Spain, tienen que is also used as a formal "you all".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must always be followed by a verb in its infinitive (unconjugated) form, such as tienes que + [infinitive].
Did you know?
- The word que in the phrase tienes que is a linguistic rebel. Although it is the direct descendant of the Latin word 'quid', meaning 'what', it has actually taken over the functional role of the Latin word 'quod', which meant 'that'.
- Although tienes que translates to 'you have to', the Spanish language can express the same necessity using the verb haber, such as in hay que, which removes the specific person entirely.
- If a speaker uses tienes que to give a command, it often sounds less like a request and more like a non-negotiable demand compared to the English 'you have to'.
Examples in context
- Tienes que dejar ir.You have to let go.This sentence demonstrates how to use tienes que to express the necessity of letting go.Tatoeba #3562624 by ficion, translation #3331073 by CK
- Lo tienes que hacer.You have to do it.This sentence shows the use of tienes que when instructing someone to do something.Tatoeba #5115317 by don_ramon, translation #1740473 by Espi
- ¿Que tienes que leer?What do you have to read?This sentence is useful for asking a question about what someone is required to read using tienes que.Tatoeba #7215946 by arh, translation #7633698 by kaesekaiser
- Usted tiene que estudiar para el examen.You have to study for the exam.
- Tienes que llegar a tiempo a la reunión.You have to arrive on time to the meeting.
- Señorita Martínez, tiene que completar este informe.Miss Martínez, you have to complete this report.
- Usted debe llamar al cliente mañana.You must call the client tomorrow.
- Tienes que hacer la tarea antes de salir a jugar.You have to do your homework before going out to play.
- ¡Tienes que probar este postre! Está delicioso.You have to try this dessert! It's delicious.
- Hay que estudiar para tener éxito en la vida.You have to study to be successful in life.
- ¡Hay que ser amable con los demás!You have to be kind to others!
- Tú tienes que hacer ejercicio.You have to exercise.
- Tienes absolutamente que terminar el informe hoy.You absolutely have to finish the report today.
- ¡Tienes que hacerlo ahora mismo!You have to do it right now!
- 270 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía is reminding Mateo about his responsibilities at home.
- LucíaMateo, tienes que lavar los platos.Mateo, you have to wash the dishes.
- MateoLo haré más tarde, lo prometo.I will do it later, I promise.
- LucíaNo, tienes que hacerlo ahora.No, you have to do it now.
- MateoEstá bien, lo voy a hacer.Okay, I am going to do it.
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.
