Tener que, hay que, deber — must, have to, should
Spanish expresses obligation without one word for “must”. Learn three core patterns:
• tener que + infinitive — personal obligation ( I have to… )
• hay que + infinitive — general rule ( one has to / you must… )
• deber + infinitive — duty or strong advice ( should / ought to )
| Person | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| yo | tengo que | Tengo que ir. |
| tú | tienes que | Tienes que estudiar. |
| él/ella/Ud. | tiene que | Tiene que trabajar. |
| nosotros | tenemos que | Tenemos que salir. |
| vosotros | tenéis que | Tenéis que venir. |
| ellos/Uds. | tienen que | Tienen que pagar. |
Hay que is impersonal — no specific subject. Like English “one must” or “you have to” (general rule). Always hay que , never hace falta que in the same way for beginners.
Deber = should / ought to (duty or advice). Conjugate deber , then infinitive: Debes descansar .
| Person | deber | Example |
|---|---|---|
| yo | debo | Debo estudiar más. |
| tú | debes | Debes llamar. |
| vosotros | debéis | Debéis leer esto. |
| ellos | deben | Deben llegar pronto. |
I have to go →
You have to study (tú) →
One must book in advance →
You all have to come (Spain) →
You should rest →
We have to leave →
You must not shout (general) →
They have to pay →
You all should read this →
I should tell the truth →