"Hay que..." Examples

Question

So today's word of the day contained this sentence:

1. Hay que regar las plantas con regularidad para que no se mueran. Plants have to be watered regularly so that they don't die.

I'm struggling with "hay que" vs. "tener que." I searched some previous posts and it appears that "hay que" is more impersonal, while "tener que" is specific to the person since it can be conjugated to "tengo que," "tiene que," etc. Is this accurate? If so, can we try some sample sentences with both "hay que" and "tener que" in this thread? Thanks in advance for any help.

Good question mate , it confuses the heck out of me. - ray76, Feb 19, 2014

Good to know I'm not alone, Ray. - vevans, Feb 19, 2014

Answer 1

Hay que is impersonal, or for making general statements. Tener que is personal or for making specific statements about specific persons.

That is my take on the difference.

Tengo que leer la pregunta antes de contestar. I have to read the question before I answer.

Hay que leer la pregunta antes de contestar. One should read the question before answering.

Great stuff, Gringojrf! Thank you much! - vevans, Feb 19, 2014

Answer 2

Hay que preguntar por direcciones cuando se está perdido-- People should ask for directions when they are lost.

Tienes que preguntar por direcciones cuando estés perdido--- You have to ask for directions when you are lost.

Hay que portarse bien con los profesores-----One has to behave well with the teachers.

Awesome Juan - thanks for the contributions. This is helping to clear up my confusion. - vevans, Feb 19, 2014