Spanish

Tener Que and Hay Que

Explain what you need to do and understand general requirements.

4 min

The idea

A personal obligation and a general requirement use different patterns.

Tengo que names something I have to do. Hay que says something needs to be done in general.

Say what you have to do.

01Tengo que trabajar.TEN-goh keh trah-bah-HARI have to work.02Tengo que comprar pan.I have to buy bread.03Tenemos que salir a las ocho.We have to leave at eight.

Ask about a personal requirement.

01¿Tengo que reservar?TEN-goh keh reh-sehr-BARDo I have to book?02¿Tenemos que cambiar de tren?Do we have to change trains?03Tienes que llevar el pasaporte.You have to bring your passport.

Use hay que for a general instruction.

01Hay que esperar aquí.eye keh es-peh-RAR ah-KEEYou need to wait here.02Hay que pagar antes de entrar.Payment is required before entering.03Hay que reservar mesa.You need to book a table.

No obligation is different from a prohibition.

Not necessary

No tienes que venir.You do not have to come.

Not allowed

No puedes entrar.You cannot go in.

At a busy restaurant.

01¿Hay que reservar?Do you need to book?02Sí, tienes que llamar antes.Yes, you have to call beforehand.03Entonces tengo que buscar otro sitio.Then I have to find another place.

Remember this

Tengo que is personal. Hay que is general. Both take an unchanged action word.

Tengo que comprar el billete. Hay que comprar el billete antes de subir.

Lesson complete

Reviewed 2026-09-07

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