Tengo que: I have to
Pronunciation: TEHN-goh keh (stress the capital letters)
Tengo que means “I have to” in English.
Quick answer
- Meaning: I have to
- How to say it: TEHN-goh keh
- Level: Beginner (A1)
What “tengo que” means and how to use it
Tengo que plus an infinitive means “I have to” do something. It expresses an obligation.
Examples with audio
- Tengo que trabajar mañana.I have to work tomorrow.
- Tengo que irme ahora.I have to leave now.
- ¿Tienes que estudiar hoy?Do you have to study today?
Usage tip
Always include “que” and use the infinitive: tengo que comer, not “tengo comer.” Use “tener que” for personal obligations and “hay que” for general ones.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “I have to” in Spanish?
“I have to” in Spanish is “tengo que.” It is pronounced TEHN-goh keh, with the stress on the syllable in capital letters.
How do you pronounce “tengo que”?
Say TEHN-goh keh. The syllable in capital letters gets the stress. Press the speaker button at the top of this page to hear it.
Practice “tengo que” for free
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Practice Spanish for free with Leo Read the lesson: Tener Expressions in Spanish: Age, Hunger, Thirst and More