Using Verb + 'Que'

Question

I can't find an easy way to understand words like Tener que = to have to Evitar que = to prevent

How does the 'que' apply? What is it actually doing?

Answer 1

These are set phrases. You just have to go with it.

Tengo que estudiar mucho para aprender español.

I have to study a lot in order to learn Spanish.

Tengo all by itself is just "I have"

When you add the "que" plus the infinitive you have the "I gotta" or "I have to" construction.

Evitar que gets even more complicated. The next verb has to be in the subjunctive. I could give you a more complete idea in a PM if you wish.

Buena suerte.

Thank you. That's very annoying xD - kingdonshawn, Jan 2, 2015

That was brilliant Daniella , you made it sound so easy and understandable . - ray76, Jan 2, 2015

I will assume, given the Thank you, that there is a possibility that the "annoying" is directed at the situation and not the answer (or answerer). - bosquederoble, Jan 2, 2015

Tener que is quite easy however, and rapidly learned- I can still remember how much I had to work with "tener algo que ver con" before I could reliably come up with those words in the right order everytime. Set phrases are the reality of both languages. - bosquederoble, Jan 2, 2015

Wtf is wrong with yall. i dont even know how you can interpret that as against her. we were obviously talking about the set phrases - kingdonshawn, Jan 2, 2015

Yes, kindonshawn is cool, He sent me a PM for further explanation, I am writing it up for him. - Daniela2041, Jan 2, 2015

Answer 2

I don't know if you are trying to be rude or just frustrated by Spanish by your comment to Daniela, however I will assume the latter. Her answer is the best you're going to get. It would be convenient and easy if languages translated word for word but that's not the case.

Just remember that the expression tener que means "to have to"

It can be worse in other languages. For example, in Japanese the saying "Nice to meet you" literally translates: "First time hang before honorable eyes."

Jajajajajaja!!!♥ You rock, Jubi! - Daniela2041, Jan 2, 2015

Well said and well done mate , I have suffered through Japanese and can attest to your statement . Sayonara jubilado san. - ray76, Jan 2, 2015

Mazel tov! - Daniela2041, Jan 2, 2015

Arigato, tomodachi! Thanks, mate. - Jubilado, Jan 2, 2015

Briliant, Jubilado, hang on in there! - annierats, Jan 2, 2015