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"Haber que" 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 que" and "tener que" below.
haber que(
ah
-
behr
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
En aquella época había que lavar la ropa a mano porque las lavadoras no existían.Back then you had to wash your clothes by hand becase there were no washing machines.
La guerra arrasó el país y hubo que empezar desde cero.War devastated the country and they had to start from scratch.
b. to need to
Habrá que darse prisa; si no, no acabaremos el trabajo a tiempo.We need to hurry; otherwise, we won't finish the work on time.
No hay que rellenar todos los espacios, solo los que están marcados con un asterisco.You don't need to fill in all the spaces, only those marked with an asterisk.
c. must
En esas situaciones, hay que mantener la calma para evitar llegar a las manos.In those situations, you must keep calm to avoid coming to blows.
No hay que hacerlo así, sino de esta otra forma.You mustn't do it like that, but like this.
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.
