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"Have to" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "tener que", and "you must" is a phrase which is often translated as "debes". Learn more about the difference between "have to" and "you must" below.
have to(
hahf
tu
)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.).
you must
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. debes (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
You must mow the lawn at least once a week.Debes cortar el césped al menos una vez por semana.
b. tienes que (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
You must be home before ten.Tienes que llegar a casa antes de las diez.
c. debe (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
You must pay rent every month.Debe pagar el alquiler todos los meses.
d. tiene que (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
You must lock the door every time you go out.Tiene que cerrar la puerta con llave cada vez que sale.
b. tienen que (plural)
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
If you use the kitchen, you must clean it afterward.Si usan la cocina, tienen que limpiarla después.
a. tienes que (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
You must study for your exams.Tienes que estudiar para los exámenes.
b. tiene que (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
You must eat more vegetables.Tiene que comer más verduras.
a. tienen que (plural)
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
If you want to be heard, you must sing louder.Si quieren que los escuchen, tienen que cantar más fuerte.
