Impersonal se + deber vs. hay que

Question

¡Hola! This is my first time asking a question on this site so I'm very sorry if I've done this incorrectly.

There is something I'm confused about. From my understanding, "hay que + infinitive" is like saying "one must + verb" in English. I've also read that the "impersonal se + deber" means pretty much the same thing.

For example: "Se debe estudiar mucho." = One must study a lot. "Hay que estudiar mucho." = One must study a lot.

Is there no difference between the two? Are they interchangeable?

Thank you in advance for answering my question!!

Thank you for your profile , that is worth a vote from me . - ray76, Jun 27, 2016

Answer 1

Se debe estudiar would translate to "it must be studied" Whereas hay que estudiar translates to "one must study"

So it's up to you to decide which one sounds more logical in a certain context.

Hope I helped you!

You helped me a lot! Thanks so much!! :) - akim99, Jul 5, 2016

Answer 2

"Hay que" estudiar. and "Es necesario" estudiar are almost identical in meaning.

O h good, now I know roo, thank you" Spanish specialista !" - ray76, Jun 27, 2016

OOps ! Especialista en español." - ray76, Jun 27, 2016

Did you mean "too"? or are you calling me a "roo?" You've already called me a Possum today. Sheesh! - Daniela2041, Jun 27, 2016

I meant "too" , but you would make a lovely bouncy Roo too . ;) - ray76, Jun 28, 2016

That makes sense. Thank you for answering! - akim99, Jul 5, 2016