🎯 Why This Matters
To express obligation and necessity accurately.
Nuanced expression of different types of obligation.
🇪🇸 The Challenge
Internal vs external obligation. Both translate to 'deber/tener que', but MUST suggests personal necessity while HAVE TO suggests external rules.
🇲🇽🇨🇴🇦🇷 Mustn't confusion
Problem: Spanish 'no tengo que' = don't have to, but learners think mustn't
Watch out: Saying 'I mustn't work tomorrow' (meaning I'm not required) - wrong!
✅ Fix: MUSTN'T = forbidden. DON'T HAVE TO = not required. Different meanings!
🧠 Mental Note: mustn't = prohibited ❌ / don't have to = your choice ✓
🇪🇸 Same distinction needed
Problem: Spanish 'no debes' can be advice or prohibition
Watch out: MUSTN'T is always prohibition, never just advice
✅ Fix: For advice, use 'shouldn't'. For prohibition, use 'mustn't'.
🧠 Visual Explanation (The Mental Fix)
Internal Boss vs External Boss
MUST = I want to/feel I should. HAVE TO = external force. MUSTN'T = forbidden. DON'T HAVE TO = free choice.
🗣️ Pronunciation Guide
How Spanish speakers should pronounce this structure:
Have to pronunciation
Spanish Habit: Pronouncing 'have to' as two clear words
English Reality: 'Have to' sounds like 'hafta' /ˈhæftə/
Examples:
- have to → /ˈhæftə/ (hafta)
- has to → /ˈhæstə/ (hasta)
- had to → /ˈhædtə/ (hadta)
Practice: Say 'hafta', 'hasta', 'hadta' for natural speech
📖 How It Works
Teacher Recommendation: Self-study friendly
Time Investment: 3 hours
🔑 Signal Words (Memory Anchors)
These words/phrases appear with this structure:
| English | Spanish | Example |
|---|---|---|
| must | debo (convicción) | I must exercise more / Debo ejercitarme más |
| have to | tengo que (obligación) | I have to work tomorrow / Tengo que trabajar mañana |
| mustn't | no debes (prohibición) | You mustn't tell anyone / No debes decirle a nadie |
| don't have to | no tienes que (opcional) | You don't have to wait / No tienes que esperar |
💬 Real Examples
Let's see this structure in action with correct vs incorrect usage:
Example 1: Internal obligation
✅ CORRECT: "I must lose weight. (personal decision)"
🇪🇸 Translation: "Debo bajar de peso."
❌ COMMON MISTAKE: "Confusing with external obligation"
Why wrong? MUST shows personal conviction, from your own belief
Example 2: External obligation
✅ CORRECT: "I have to wear a helmet. (it's the law)"
🇪🇸 Translation: "Tengo que usar casco."
❌ COMMON MISTAKE: "I must wear a helmet (sounds like personal choice)"
Why wrong? HAVE TO is better for rules and laws imposed by others
Example 3: Mustn't vs Don't have to
✅ CORRECT: "You mustn't smoke here. / You don't have to tip."
🇪🇸 Translation: "No debes fumar aquí. / No tienes que dar propina."
❌ COMMON MISTAKE: "Confusing mustn't and don't have to"
Why wrong? MUSTN'T = prohibited (forbidden!). DON'T HAVE TO = optional (no obligation)
✏️ Practice Exercises
Ready to test your understanding? Let's practice!