Inklingo

How to Say "was necessary" in Spanish

The Spanish word forwas necessaryis tocabaB1 level.

English → SpanishB1
verbB1
impersonal obligation
A short line of three different cartoon animals: a rabbit, a fox, and a squirrel. The rabbit is at the front, holding a small treat, and the other two are waiting patiently behind it, illustrating sequence.

Examples

Me tocaba a mí lavar los platos anoche.

It was my turn to wash the dishes last night.

Tocaba ir al médico, pero lo pospusimos.

It was necessary to go to the doctor, but we postponed it. (Literally: It touched to go...)

A ella le tocaba recibir el premio.

It was her turn (or her due) to receive the prize.

Using 'tocar' for Turns

When 'tocar' means 'it's a turn/duty,' it is often used impersonally (like 'gustar') with the indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, nos, etc.) to show who has the turn.

Direct Translation Error

Mistake:Saying 'Yo tocaba' to mean 'It was my turn.'

Correction: You must use the third-person singular and the indirect pronoun: 'Me tocaba a mí.' (The action/turn was touching me.)

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