"Hay que" versus "Tener que"

Question

Hi all,

So I have never fully understood the correct use of "hay que" and how it varies from "tener que". I know "tener que" reflects that the subject has to do whatever follows the "que", and that "hay que" is similar, but the exact usage of "hay que" I don't quite comprehend. I am familiar with the phrase "¡Hay que ver que...!", but that's it. Can anyone clear this up for me?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hola!

Hay que is used when there is no specific subject.

Hay que usar la computadaora. It's necessary to use the computer, or one must use the computer.

With tener que, the subject is known.

Tienes que usar la computadora. You need to use the computer.

Why thank you! - aceydoubleyou, May 2, 2010

You are more than welcome! - Delores--Lindsey, May 2, 2010

Answer 2

"Hay que" is more general, it can be directly translated to "one must" in manuals, hay que is used because someone (not anyone in particular) has to do that action. Tener que is very specific. It's used to say exactly who has to do the action.

Thanks! - aceydoubleyou, May 2, 2010

Answer 3

Para llegar a mi casa hay que coger el autobús numero siete. No puedo ir a la fiesta porque tengo que hacer mis deberes.

Great examples, thanks. - aceydoubleyou, May 3, 2010

Answer 4

Most verbs you can use a se to make the phrase impersonal se come:one eats but you cant say se tiene que, so there is hay que.