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"Necesitar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to need", and "tener que" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to have to". Learn more about the difference between "necesitar" and "tener que" below.
necesitar(
neh
-
seh
-
see
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to require)
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. to need
Necesitan salir ya si quieren alcanzar su vuelo.You need to leave now if you want to make your flight.
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.
