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"Carecer" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to lack", and "tener que" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to have to". Learn more about the difference between "carecer" and "tener que" below.
carecer(
kah
-
reh
-
sehr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to lack
Carecen de los medios necesarios para enviar a su hijo a la universidad.They lack the necessary means to send their son to college.
b. to not have
El hombre quedó detenido porque carecía de la documentación necesaria para ingresar al país.The man was arrested because he didn't have the documents needed to go into the country.
tener que(
teh
-
nehr
keh
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (general)
a. to have to
Tengo que sacar la basura, apesta.I have to take the trash out; it stinks.
Los participantes tienen que llenar el formulario de salud.The participants have to fill out the health form.
b. to have got to
Tienes que decírselo. Solo complicará las cosas si no lo haces.You've got to tell her. It will only complicate things if you don't.
