Is this right?- Really?

Question

My "Cashier" flashcards: 'I have to go and get change' is translated 'Tengo que ir a buscar cambio.'

Isn't Tengo for possession? ( I have a cookie.) Shouldn't it be 'necesito'?

Necesito ir a buscar cambio?

I am the kind of student that has to know the 'whys' of a thing.

Answer 1

Tener que + inf. means "To have + inf." You could use "necesito." It just changes the meaning a little.

Answer 2

Sylia, "tengo que" can mean "I have to" or "I must". There is a video on this site that explains the use of "tengo que" and "hay que".

link text

Answer 3

Isn't Tengo for possession? ( I have a cookie.) Shouldn't it be 'necesito'?

Yes, but "to have" is also used for possession, and you also say "I have to go for change". Why do people find weird things about other languages when it is the same in their own?

"I have to go for change"? Don't you mean I have to go look for change/find some change? I've never heard anyone say "I have to go for food" - Oramasdude, May 18, 2011

Ok, and when you say "I have to wake up earl yin the morning", what do you have? - lazarus1907, May 18, 2011

'Tengo que levantarme temprano en la mañana'. "I have to go for change" sounds like a too-literal translation of "Tengo que ir por cambio"... - Oramasdude, May 18, 2011

Answer 4

Thanks for answering my question.

I guess because this is a "foreign" language to me, I am not sure if they use the same phraseology as English speakers. I am very new to learning spanish and I am just trying to figure out how to make my own sentences.

I'm not dumb, or weird; I'm just trying to learn!

And, Lazarus, perhaps you too could work on your phraseology, what with such English sentences as "What do people find weird things about other languages..." Shouldn't it be "Why do people..."?

Thanks again! sylvialouise

I don't know why I wrote "what", but I wasn't suggesting that your are dumb. I just don't understand why people find it strange when Spanish is like English. - lazarus1907, May 18, 2011

It is normal that English speakers struggle with Spanish constructions that are different from English, but not the ones that are the same. - lazarus1907, May 18, 2011

How will I know Spanish is like English until I learn it? I have to ask questions in order to learn! To my Spanish-speaking customers, I sound like a baby, but I am working on it! I wish I were fluent like you! - sylvialouise, May 18, 2011

Sylvia, Lazarus is also learning English. That's just his "tone" it seems. He probably didn't mean to offend you.... - Oramasdude, May 18, 2011

Sylvia, trust me...we are here to help. Ask away, and don't focus on the negative. Everywhere you go you'll find negativity. This is a wonderful community and we are here to help. - 002067fe, May 18, 2011