How does one say ''One must...'', or ''One should..." or ''One doesn't/shouldn't...'' ? I read over the page on ''One'' and it just wasn't there, even though #5 (impersonal) was close with "Nunca se sabe" Thanks for any help.

Question

How does one say ''One must...'', or ''One should..." or ''One should/shouldn't..."

I read over the page on One, and though section #5 got close with "Nunca se sabe'' I'm still not sure how to express it.

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

Roger

Hi and welcome to the forum! - sanlee, Dec 12, 2011

Thanks for the help all. I'd like to expand my question somewhat. I'd like to know the same thing in question form: in other words, how do I say, "How does one...?" I only know the specific example of asking "how does one say" (que quiere decir...) - rogspax, Dec 13, 2011

Then you would you would use the impersonal se. see one of the answer below. - BellaMargarita, Dec 13, 2011

Answer 1

Impresonally you could use hay que, but if you have a subject in mind deber expresses obligation.

Answer 2

I remember this example from a video lesson on this site.

basic commands

There is a use of "hay que" in the video.

Hay que sacar la basura. - Someone should take out the trash.

There are several other examples in the video lesson. That's about the best I can suggest from my limited knowledge of the language.

Answer 3

It sounds like you are asking more about how to say "one" impersonally, rather than how to say "mustn't" "shouldn't", etc. Am I reading your question correctly?

impersonal se

if not, articles like this one may help: hay que vs tener que vs deber

Yes, that is exactly right, so these last two answers are (I think) most on-target. I'm trying to get the impersonal/general psuedo-passive voice equivalent subject of "One" figured out. If so, maybe "hay que" is it. - rogspax, Dec 12, 2011

hay que is more for obligation. - BellaMargarita, Dec 12, 2011

hay que is probably the best impersonal way to express "one should". You can also look at haber de. - 0074b507, Dec 12, 2011

Another insightful and helpful post, Quentin (Heidita corrected me for calling you "Q" -- even though Q reminds me of James Bond). Thanks again!! - territurtle, Dec 12, 2011

Answer 4

"Deber" is a good verb to convey the idea. .. por ejemplo," Usted debe hacer eso."

Answer 5

You never know. Must se dice porque es obligado I must breathe debo respirar,Should se dice por que es probable,I should eat right now,deberia comer ahora mismo.Shouldn't or should not es lo mismo pero negando I shouldn't/should not eat right noe,no deberia comer ahora mismo.