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Learn how to express obligations in Spanish using "hay que," "tener que," and "deber," with examples like "Hay que usar harina," "Tengo que comprar aceite," and "Debemos preparar la ensalada."
ExpresiónFormaciónEjemplo
Haber que (to have to)Hay que + infinitivoHay 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 + infinitivoTengo que comprar el aceite. (I have to buy the oil.)
Deber (Must)Deber (conjugado) + infinitivoDebemos 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

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

1.
... batir la nata.
(Tienes que batir la nata.)
2.
... picar la cebolla para preparar la salsa.
(Hay que picar la cebolla para preparar la salsa.)
3.
... usar harina para hacer pan.
(Hay que usar harina para hacer pan.)
4.
... agregar el aceite a la mezcla.
(Debemos agregar el aceite a la mezcla.)
5.
... cocinar los tomates a baja temperatura.
(Debes cocinar los tomates a baja temperatura.)
6.
... comprar el azúcar para la receta.
(Tengo que comprar el azúcar para la receta.)

Exercise 2: Dialogue completion

Instruction: Complete the dialogue with the correct solution

1.

( )

2.

( )

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

This lesson introduces essential expressions used to express obligations or necessities in Spanish. At A1 level, learners will become familiar with three common ways to say "must" or "have to" in Spanish: hay que, tener que, and deber. These forms help communicate duties and requirements in everyday situations.

Key Expressions and Their Structures

  • Hay que + infinitive: This impersonal form indicates a general obligation or necessity without specifying who must do it. Example: Hay que usar la harina correcta para el pastel.
  • Tener que + infinitive: This form is conjugated and indicates a personal obligation where the subject is clear. Example: Tengo que comprar el aceite.
  • Deber + infinitive: Also conjugated, it expresses a recommendation or moral obligation. Example: Debemos agregar la mantequilla.

How to Identify Each Expression

Hay que is used when speaking about obligations that apply generally – not linked to a particular person. In contrast, tener que and deber always reflect personal obligations, with the speaker or someone else responsible for completing the action.

Useful Vocabulary in Context

  • usar: to use (e.g., usar la harina correcta)
  • comprar: to buy (e.g., comprar el aceite)
  • agregar: to add (e.g., agregar la mantequilla)
  • preparar: to prepare (e.g., preparar la ensalada)
  • cortar: to cut (e.g., cortar las verduras)
  • seguir: to follow (e.g., seguir la receta)
  • revisar: to check (e.g., revisar que todo esté listo)

Comparisons Between English and Spanish Obligations

In English, obligations are usually expressed using modal verbs like "must," "have to," or "should." Spanish, however, uses specific expressions with distinct nuances:

  • Hay que corresponds roughly to "one must" or "it is necessary to," conveying general obligations without a specific subject.
  • Tener que parallels "to have to" and requires conjugation based on the subject, indicating personal necessity.
  • Deber can mean "should" or "ought to," and often carries a sense of moral advice or recommendation.

For example, English speakers say "You have to buy oil," which translates to Tienes que comprar el aceite in Spanish, showing a personal obligation. To express a non-personal obligation like "One must use the correct flour," Spanish uses Hay que usar la harina correcta.

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