Confusing English Words Challenge 20

Question

Algunas palabras en inglés pueden crear confusion en los principiantes.

Some words in English can be confusing for learners.

This one is to practice the words - mustn't / don't have to

Both native Spanish and English speakers may answer - but write both Spanish and English sentences.

I would appreciate some help in checking the Spanish sentences.

Agradecería una cierta ayuda en la comprobación de las oraciones españolas.

I will "accept" the best effort after about a week

Every attempt will get a vote.

NOTE - we would normally need 2 sentences in both Languages that illustrate how the the following are used.

a) mustn't

B) don't have to

Futher explanation as to the different meanings may be given.

Please do not suggest new words.

Answer 1

Great question Ian, I'm not so sure about these, which of course is a great reason to give it a go.

No hay que comprar los plátanos orgánicos, puesto que no se come la cáscara.

You don't have to buy organic bananas, given that one doesn't eat the peel.

No debes darle chocolate a tu perro, a menos que lo quieras matar.

You mustn't give chocolate to your dog, unless you want to kill it.

Mustn't/shouldn't? I dunno!

Spanish is correct :) - Dakie, Jun 12, 2011

Thanks Dakie. :) - galsally, Jun 13, 2011

Answer 2

Must es un Modal al que sigue un infinitivo sin to, y las oraciones interrogativas y negativas se construyen sin el auxiliar do:

Must you go? ¿Tienes que irte? Is it necessary?

We mustn’t tell her. No debemos decírselo. Prohibition

To have to / tener que – is a normal verb.

Don’t have to / no tener que

I don’t have to go to the bank. No tengo que ir al banco. No obligation

I am not sure if the “prohibition” and the “obligation” aspects are the same way round in Spanish.

Maybe someone can clarify this for me. Please.

Answer 3

I must not walk on my broken foot if I want it to heal.

No debo caminar en mi pie roto si quiero que le cure.

I don't have to walk to the store because I have a car.

No tengo que caminar a la tienda porque tengo un coche.

Corrections appreciated! - LaBurra, Jun 12, 2011

en mi pie roto si quiero que se cure...; Buen trabajo Burra :) - Dakie, Jun 12, 2011

Gracias. Mi pie está realmente roto - es la excusa por mis errores ;-) - LaBurra, Jun 12, 2011

Answer 4

This is always a headache to me:

1.-No debes echarle café a las flores.

-You mustn't throw coffee to onto the flowers.

2.-No tienes que correr si no quieres.

-You don't have to run if you don't want to.

3.-No debes lavar la ropa de color con cloro.

-You mustn't wash coloured clothing with chlorine.

Not sure about the English. Thanks Ian.

Hi Dakie. - minor changes. .... "on" or "onto" the flowers. - ian-hill, Jun 12, 2011

Thanks so much Ian. :) - Dakie, Jun 12, 2011

..if you don't want "to" - want in English should always have a word after it. - ian-hill, Jun 12, 2011

look at that, how aweseome is that advice, thanks again. :) - Dakie, Jun 12, 2011

I never know when to use onto hehe - Dakie, Jun 12, 2011

--awesome - Dakie, Jun 12, 2011

........coloured" or "colored" Brit v American spelling. - ian-hill, Jun 12, 2011