Why there is a que in this phrase...
6
votes
Hi, i'm a beginner at Spanish and I am wondering why there is a que in the phrase ¡Tienes que estar bromeando! This phrase is supposed to translate to "You have to be kidding me" but to me it looks like "you have then to be kidding me". Can anyone help clear this up for me please? Thank you (:
1315 views
updated Nov 12, 2011
posted by laoshu123
great question! - amykay, Nov 12, 2011
1 Answer
7
votes
Tener (conjugated) + que + infinitive = obligation.
Tengo que comer. I have to eat.
Tienes que irte. You (informal) have to leave.
Tiene que enviar esta carta. You (formal) have to mail this letter.
Tenemos que ir a la fiesta. We have to go to the party.
¡Tenéis que correr! You all (informal) have to run!
updated Nov 12, 2011
edited by Tosh
posted by Tosh
thanx for explaining that, I needed it! - amykay, Nov 12, 2011
It also keeps it from being confused with the Tener+ noun phrases. Tengo hambre/sed/calor/frío, etc. - 0074b507, Nov 12, 2011
Thanks but what would be the meaning if I you didn't add que to "tengo que comer"? - laoshu123, Nov 12, 2011
Actually, I think that it would just be an error. Probably you would be understood, but to have made an error - i.e., not mean what you want it to. "Tengo que + infinitive" is the way to go if you mean "I have to + any verb". - lynneweixel, Nov 12, 2011
