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"You have to" is a phrase which is often translated as "tienes que", and "you must" is a phrase which is often translated as "debes". Learn more about the difference between "you have to" and "you must" below.
you have to
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
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 have to hurry, or you're going to be late.Tienes que apurarte o vas a llegar tarde.
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).
For birth certificates, you have to go to the vital records office on the second floor.Para actas de nacimiento, tiene que ir al registro civil que está en el segundo piso.
c. tienes que hacerlo (referring to something already stated)
I don't want to go to church! - Well, tough. You have to.¡No quiero ir a la iglesia! - Pues, mala suerte. Tienes que hacerlo.
d. tiene que hacerlo (formal) (singular) (referring to something already stated)
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).
Do I absolutely have to register my car? - Yes, sir. You have to.¿Es obligatorio que registre mi carro? - Sí, señor. Tiene que hacerlo.
a. tienen que (plural)
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
You have to work harder if you want to succeed.Tienen que trabajar más si quieren tener éxito.
b. tienen que hacerlo (plural)
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
You have to forgive each other. You have to.Tienen que perdonarse. Tienen que hacerlo.
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.
