Expressing Obligation: Tener que vs. Hay que

In Spanish, there are two common ways to say someone 'has to' or 'must' do something. Knowing which one to use depends on whether the obligation is for a specific person or a general rule.

Tener que + [infinitive]

Use tener que to express a specific, personal obligation. This is when a particular person or group of people has to do something.

The verb tener (to have) changes to match the subject.

• Yo **tengo que** estudiar. (I have to study.)
• Tú **tienes que** llamar a tu madre. (You have to call your mom.)
• El detective **tiene que** resolver el caso. (The detective has to solve the case.)
• Nosotros **tenemos que** irnos. (We have to leave.)

Hay que + [infinitive]

Use hay que to express a general, impersonal obligation. This is for rules, advice, or things that 'one must do' in general. It's not directed at anyone in particular.

The phrase hay que never changes.

• **Hay que** ser paciente. (One must be patient.)
• Para aprender, **hay que** practicar. (To learn, you have to practice.)
• En España, **hay que** cenar tarde. (In Spain, one must eat dinner late.)