Expressing obligation in Spanish
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Expressing obligation
There are three main ways to indicate what has to be done, or express obligation:
- Tener que tener, presente + infinitive: obligation or strong necessity.
El ascensor no funciona, tengo que subir por las escaleras.
The elevator doesn't work, I have to go up the stairs.
Tiene que hacer la compra.
He has to go shopping.
- Deber deber, presente + infinitive: less strong obligation.
Debo terminar el informe antes de las siete de la tarde.
I must finish the report by 7:00 p.m.
Si estás enfermo, deberías ir al médico.
If you're sick, you should go to the doctor.
- Hay que (have to) + infinitive: obligation.
Cuando el semáforo está en rojo, hay que parar.
When the traffic light is red, we have to stop.
Hay que comer fruta y verdura cada día.
We have to eat fruit and vegetables every day.
Note: on signs, we often express obligation using es obligatorio (it is compulsory to) + infinitive verb.
Es obligatorio ducharse antes de entrar en la piscina.
It is compulsory to shower before entering the pool.
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