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"Ir a" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to go to", and "tener que" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to have to". Learn more about the difference between "ir a" and "tener que" below.
ir a(
eer
ah
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. to go to
¿Vas a ir a la fiesta el sábado?Are you going to go to the party on Saturday?
Debes ir a la escuela antes de que se haga más tarde.You should go to school before it gets any later.
a. to go
¿Puedes ir a preguntarle a tu hermano si quiere cenar?Can you go and ask your brother if he wants to have dinner?
b. to be going to
Voy a regar el jardín cuando baje el sol.I'm going to water the garden when the sun goes down.
irse a
A pronominal verb phrase combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Se dio cuenta del problema.)
a. to go to
¿Dónde están María y Ana? - Se han ido a la playa.Where are Maria and Ana? - They've gone to the beach.
b. to leave for
¿Cuáles son sus planes? - El lunes nos vamos a Ámsterdam y el martes volaremos a Ciudad del Cabo.What are your plans? - We're leaving for Amsterdam on Monday and we'll fly to Cape Town on Tuesday.
a. to be going to
Me voy a sentar en este banco porque estoy muy cansada.I'm going to sit on this bench because I'm very tired.
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.
