Why can't I say "tengo que ir"?

Question

A friend from Spain told me that "Tengo que ir" no suena bien. I don't understand how it doesn't. He also said something like "se falta sujeto" and Me tengo que ir o tengo que irme would do just fine. What I don't understand is why.

Tengo = I HAVE que= TO ir=GO

???

Answer 1

Tengo = I HAVE que= TO ir=GO

Be careful. Each language has its own particular nuances that literal, word-for-word translations are often unable to capture.

In this case, the verb "ir" is a verb that denotes movement, generally from one location to another. To the Spanish ear, an expression such as "Tengo que ir" sounds incomplete because there is an expectation that the phrase will be completed, usually by some sort of complement that will indicate the final destination.

• Tengo que ir (where?)

• Tengo que ir al baño - I have to go to the bathroom.

• Tengo que ir al mercado - I have to go to the store.

When the reflexive pronoun is included; however, it takes away this expectation because it shifts the focus away from the idea of destination and onto the person affected by the movement. That is the emphasis is on the act of the person's leaving. In effect, the difference between the two expressions is very similar to the difference between the verbs "to go" and "to leave" in English. This difference can be summarized as follows.

• Me tengo que ir/Tengo que irme --- I have to leave.

• Tengo que ir a algún lugar --- I have to go somewhere.

Incidentally, expressions such as "Me tengo que ir" can be accompanied by prepositional phrases that indicate a destination (such as para Madrid, etc); however, when the focus shifts onto the act of leaving, its inclusion is not obligatory.

Thank you for the excellent explanation of this concept. - gringojrf, Oct 21, 2013

This was a very helpful answer. Thanks for taking the time to answer so thoroughly. - katydew, Oct 21, 2013

Thank you! Very concise and sin rodeos ^^ Thanks for taking the time, I something else to be vigilant of (: - kuddah, Oct 21, 2013

Answer 2

Just an example to show the difference.

You have a friend taking you to the airport and you stop for coffee. You look at your watch and tell your friend "Tengo que ir". It is understood that you need to go and your friend needs to drive. If you say "Tengo que irme." your friend might say "Adiós y buen viaje".

Tengo que ir. - I have to go.

Tengo que irme. - I have to go and I am makeing it happen.

Answer 3

I can't tell you why but I think your friend is right. I only hear "tengo que irme" or "me tengo que ir". I can't say why the pronomial form of "ir" is used in this construction but it is. Maybe a native speaker will enlighten us.

Answer 4

I have to go = Tengo que ir

Totally correct!

It isn't the same as I've got to leave!

Left? Right?

c?

left, right, c????? what do you mean - Rey_Mysterio, Oct 21, 2013