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"Haber de" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to have to", and "tener que" is a transitive verb phrase which is also often translated as "to have to". Learn more about the difference between "haber de" and "tener que" below.
haber de(
ah
-
behr
deh
)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.).
a. to have to
El tiempo apremia. Hemos de tomar una decisión lo antes posible.Time is pressing on. We have to make a decision as soon as possible.
b. to must
Has de enviar la solicitud hoy porque acaba el plazo.You must send your application today because it's the deadline.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
El amor es algo que has de descubrir por ti misma.Love is something you should discover for yourself.
¿Por qué una simple disputa por unos terrenos baldíos habría de acabar en guerra?Why should a simple dispute for some wasteland end in war?
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Es muy tozudo, pero ha de haber una forma de convencerlo.He's very stubborn, but there has to be a way of persuading him.
Yo creo que ha de haber al menos 500 personas aquí dentro.I think there must be at least 500 people inside here.
3. (to exist)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
En el mundo del cine hay de todo, desde verdaderos genios creativos hasta los más descarados arribistas.In the cinema industry there's everything, from true creative geniuses to the most brazen opportunists.
¿Hay alguna librería? - No, este es un pueblo muy pequeño y no hay de eso.Is there a bookshop? - No, this is a very small village and there's no such thing.
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.
