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Learn to express obligations in Spanish using 'hay que' for impersonal duties, 'tener que' for personal obligations, and 'deber' for moral recommendations, with examples like "Hay que usar" and "Debemos agregar."
ExpresiónFormaciónUsoEjemplo
Haber que (to have to)Hay que + infinitivoObligación impersonal, general (Impersonal obligation, general)Hay que usar la harina correcta para el pastel. (One must use the correct flour for the cake.)
Tener que (To have to)Tener (conjugado) + que + infinitivoObligación personal (Personal obligation)Tengo que comprar el aceite. (I have to buy the oil.)
Deber (Must)Deber (conjugado) + infinitivoObligación moral, recomendación fuerte (Moral obligation, strong recommendation)Debemos agregar la mantequilla. (We must add the butter.)

Exercise 1: Obligaciones - "Hay que, tener que, deber"

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

Tengo que, Debemos, Debes, Tienes que, Hay que

1.
... comprar el azúcar para la receta.
(I have to buy the sugar for the recipe.)
2.
... picar la cebolla para preparar la salsa.
(You need to chop the onion to prepare the sauce.)
3.
... cocinar los tomates a baja temperatura.
(You must cook the tomatoes at a low temperature.)
4.
... usar harina para hacer pan.
(You have to use flour to make bread.)
5.
... batir la nata.
(You have to whip the cream.)
6.
... agregar el aceite a la mezcla.
(We must add the oil to the mixture.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. _____ usar la harina correcta para hacer un buen pastel.

(_____ use the right flour to make a good cake.)

2. _____ comprar aceite para cocinar esta receta.

(_____ buy oil to cook this recipe.)

3. _____ mezclar la mantequilla con el azúcar antes de hornear.

(_____ mix the butter with the sugar before baking.)

4. _____ pelar la cebolla antes de cocinarla.

(_____ peel the onion before cooking it.)

5. _____ agregar ajo para dar más sabor al plato.

(_____ add garlic to give more flavor to the dish.)

6. _____ seguir la receta para preparar las tapas caseras.

(_____ follow the recipe to prepare the homemade pies.)

Understanding Obligations in Spanish: "Hay que," "Tener que," and "Deber"

This lesson focuses on expressing obligations in Spanish using three key expressions: hay que, tener que, and deber. These structures help you communicate different kinds of obligations—from general rules to personal duties and moral responsibilities.

1. Hay que – Impersonal Obligation

Formation: Hay que + infinitive

Usage: Used to express a general or impersonal obligation without specifying who must perform the action.

Example: Hay que usar la harina correcta para el pastel.

2. Tener que – Personal Obligation

Formation: Tener (conjugated) + que + infinitive

Usage: Used to indicate a personal obligation or something that someone specifically must do.

Example: Tengo que comprar el aceite.

3. Deber – Moral Obligation or Strong Recommendation

Formation: Deber (conjugated) + infinitive

Usage: Expresses moral duties or strong recommendations.

Example: Debemos agregar la mantequilla.

Key Differences and Useful Expressions

While English often uses "must" or "have to" to indicate obligation, Spanish distinguishes between impersonal obligations (hay que), personal duties (tener que), and moral or recommended actions (deber).

Here are some useful phrases to remember:

  • Hay que pelar la cebolla antes de cocinarla. – One must peel the onion before cooking it. (General rule)
  • Tienes que agregar ajo para dar más sabor al plato. – You have to add garlic to give more flavor to the dish. (Personal obligation)
  • Debo seguir la receta para preparar las tapas caseras. – I should follow the recipe to prepare homemade tapas. (Moral duty or recommendation)

By mastering these expressions, you will better communicate obligations in Spanish, conveying nuances between general, personal, and moral responsibilities.

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