use of hay que and tener que
i would like to know the usage of "tener que" and "hay que" referring to different contexts...
2 Answers
Both are ways to express obligation or the necessity of doing something, but with different strengths.
tener que + infinitive is a way to express obligation or necessity, and translates as "someone/somebody must (has to) do something." The verb tener is conjugated according to the subject.
Tengo que comer un plátano. I have to eat a banana.
Raúl tiene que leer el libro. Raul has to read the book.
Ellas tienen que comprar un periódico. They (females) have to buy a newspaper.
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hay que + infinitive means "one must do something" or, "it is necessary to do something," but less specific and more generally than "tener que" because there is no subject, the verb form hay is always used.
Hay que tomar un autobús. It is necessary to take a bus.
Hay que cerrar la puerta antes de usar esta máquina. One must close the door before using this machine.
Hay que hacer ejercicio más a menudo y comer menos. One must exercise more often and eat less.
Also "Hay que" and "Tener que" have the same meaning, you must use one or another depending of the person (me, you, we, ...):
- Tengo que hacer un trabajo sobre ...
- Tienes que hacer un trabajo sobre ...
- Tenemos que hacer un trabajo sobre ...
But, if you don't say WHO must do something, you must use:
- Hay que hacer un trabajo sobre ...
For example, imagine that you check your room is dirty:
- ¡Vamos, chicos, tenemos que limpiar la habitación!
- ¡Vamos, chicos, hay que limpiar la habitación!
Questions: - ¡Vamos, chicos!, ¿quién tiene que limpiar la habitación?
