I have to study
in SpanishTengo que estudiar
/TEHN-goh keh ehs-too-DYAR/
This is the most direct and common way to express obligation. It uses the 'have to' formula that works for almost any situation.
Tengo que estudiar: The classic scene of hitting the books.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Me toca estudiar
/meh TOH-kah ehs-too-DYAR/
Literally 'it touches me to study,' but it functions like 'it's my turn' or 'it's my lot' to study.
Debo estudiar
/DEH-boh ehs-too-DYAR/
This expresses a stronger sense of moral duty or 'must.'
Tengo que hincar los codos
/TEHN-goh keh een-KAR lohs KOH-dohs/
An idiom that literally means 'to drive the elbows in' (referring to leaning on a desk).
Tengo que quemarme las pestañas
/TEHN-goh keh keh-MAR-meh lahs pehs-TAH-nyahs/
Literally means 'to burn my eyelashes.'
Me hace falta estudiar
/meh AH-seh FAHL-tah ehs-too-DYAR/
Means 'I need to study' or 'I am lacking study.'
Hay que estudiar
/eye keh ehs-too-DYAR/
General obligation. It means 'one must study.'
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Different ways to say you have to study based on the 'vibe' of the obligation.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tengo que estudiar | Neutral | Everyday use, very clear. | Never; it's always safe. |
| Me toca estudiar | Informal | Complaining to friends or shared schedules. | Formal academic petitions. |
| Debo estudiar | Formal | Writing a letter or serious self-discipline. | At a party with friends (sounds too stiff). |
📈Difficulty Level
The words are phonetic and straightforward for English speakers.
Just remember to include 'que' after 'tengo'.
Straightforward concept with fun regional idioms.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering the 'que' connector
- Pronouncing the 'r' at the end of 'estudiar'
💡Examples in Action
No puedo ir al cine, tengo que estudiar para el examen de mañana.
I can't go to the movies; I have to study for tomorrow's exam.
Me toca estudiar todo el fin de semana porque tengo finales.
I have to study all weekend because I have finals.
Si quiero aprobar, debo estudiar mucho más.
If I want to pass, I must study much more.
🌍Cultural Context
Study Groups and Socializing
In many Spanish-speaking countries, studying is often a social activity. Students frequently meet at 'bibliotecas' or cafes not just to work in silence, but to discuss materials and quiz each other over coffee.
The 'Hincar los Codos' Visual
The phrase used in Spain perfectly captures the physical image of a student hunched over a desk, elbows firmly planted—a universal symbol of intense focus known to every Spanish student.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'que'
Mistake: "Tengo estudiar"
Correction: Tengo QUE estudiar
Using 'Tengo a estudiar'
Mistake: "Tengo a estudiar"
Correction: Tengo que estudiar
💡Pro Tips
The Obligation Formula
Memorize the pattern: [Tener conjugated] + que + [verb in the 'ar/er/ir' form]. It works for everything: 'Tengo que comer', 'Tengo que trabajar', etc.
Softening the Blow
If you are turning down an invitation because you have to study, start with 'Lo siento' (I'm sorry) or 'Me encantaría, pero...' (I'd love to, but...) to sound more polite.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
'Empollar' (to hatch/brood) is another common slang term in Spain for cramming for an exam.
Mexico
Mexicans often use 'darle a' (give it to) for many activities including studying.
💬What Comes Next?
You tell someone you have to study.
¡Buena suerte!
Good luck!
Gracias, la necesitaré.
Thanks, I'll need it.
A friend asks what you are studying.
¿Qué materia estudias?
What subject are you studying?
Estudio matemáticas.
I'm studying math.
🧠Memory Tricks
Imagine you are in a 'Tangle' (Tengo) of books and you 'que' (CAN'T) get out because you have to study.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
Tengo un examen
Natural follow-up to explain WHY you are studying.
Estoy cansado
Common state of being after studying hard.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: I have to study
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always need to say 'Yo' before 'tengo que estudiar'?
No, it's actually more natural to leave it out. The word 'tengo' already tells the listener you are talking about yourself.
What is the difference between 'tengo que' and 'debo'?
'Tengo que' is like 'I have to' (external obligation/routine), while 'debo' is like 'I should/must' (internal duty).
How do I say 'I have to study A LOT'?
Simply add 'mucho' at the end: 'Tengo que estudiar mucho.'
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