Few questions

Question

Thanks as always for the help. When using the phrase "Tocar + inf" does this work the same way as "Tener que + inf", and how would I say that my friend has to do something, for example, get up early? My guess would be Mi amiga le toca levantarse temprano.

Also, if I suggested to someone that we meet up at a certain place, like for example after a class, would I say "Vamos a quedar aqui", or would it be something like "Vamos a encontrar aqui"?

Thanks!

Answer 1

tocarle hacer algo

(A mi) me toca cocinar hoy. Today is my turn to cook.
(A tí) te toca cocinar mañana. Tomorrow is your turn to cook.
(A el/ella) le toca limpiar esta mañana. It's his/her turn to clean this morning.
(A nosotros) nos toca sacar al perro. It's our turn to walk the dog.
(A ellos ) les toca servir. It's their turn to serve.
etc.

tener que hacer algo

Tengo que cocinar. I have to cook.or I must cook.
Tienes que limpiar. You have to clean.
Tiene que barrer. He has to sweep.
Tenemos que sacar al perro. We have to walk the dog.
Tienen que servir. They have to serve.

My friend has to get up early. Mi amiga tiene que levantarse temprano.
It's my frien's turn to get up early. A mi amiga le toca levantarse temprano.

Vamos a encontrarnos aquí. Let's meet here.

We have another structure: "quedar en hacer algo" . It means to"arrange to do something."
Quedé con Julio en encontrarnos.
I arranged to meet Julio.
Qedamos en salir juntos.. We arranged to go out together. etc.

Useful - Mardle, Aug 15, 2017

Answer 2

Hi phil, it's good to see your intelligent questions

When using the phrase "Tocar + inf" does this work the same way as "Tener que + inf", and how would I say that my friend has to do something, for example, get up early? My guess would be Mi amiga le toca levantarse temprano.

Yes, the usage is similar. The meaning isn't . I guess you are aware of that, right?

You missed the "personal a":

A mi amiga le toca levantarse pronto.

Unlike with tener que :

Mi amiga tiene que levantarse pronto .

Also, if I suggested to someone that we meet up at a certain place, like for example after a class, would I say "Vamos a quedar aqui", or would it be something like "Vamos a encontrar aqui"?

You would use "quedar" , the other sentence is not correct.

Vamos a quedar en el cine, en la plaza, en el bar...

Thanks! This was very helpful and I don't think I was aware of the difference between tocar and tener que, nor that I had to use the personal a with tocar. Muchas gracias! - philsjwfu, Aug 15, 2017