UNDERSTANDING “TENER QUE” IN SPANISH
¡Hola, amigos! Mastering the art of expressing obligation is essential for effective communication in Spanish! One of the most crucial phrases to learn is tener que hacer algo, which translates to to have to do something. This expression allows you to convey necessity and obligation, adding depth to your conversations.
Get ready to dive into the captivating world of “tener que!” This post will guide you through its structure and usage, complete with vivid examples and engaging activities designed to help you master this expression!
STRUCTURE AND A FEW EXAMPLES
The phrase tener que hacer translates to to have to do in English. The structure of the phrase is:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| tener que + infinitive | to have to + base form of the verb |
Examples:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Tengo que comer. | I have to eat. |
| Tienes que estudiar para el examen. | You have to study for the exam. |
| Él tiene que hacer la tarea. | He has to do the homework. |
| Nosotros tenemos que ir al médico. | We have to go to the doctor. |
| Ellos tienen que limpiar la casa. | They have to clean the house. |
CONJUGATION OF “TENER”
To use “tener que” effectively, it’s important to know how to conjugate the verb “tener.” Here, we’ll focus on its conjugation in the simple present tense:
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Yo | tengo |
| Tú | tienes |
| Él/Ella/Usted | tiene |
| Nosotros/Nosotras | tenemos |
| Ustedes/Ellos/Ellas | tienen |
TIP! This structure applies only when “tener” is followed by a verb, not when it is followed by a noun. Check this:
I have food = Tengo comida
I have to eat = Tengo que comer
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!
Now, let’s play these games so you can become an expert at using “tener que!”
GAME 1
GAME 2
