Video Lesson Here (7:28)
Hola chic@s,
Let’s look at ‘Tener vs Haber’.
David, this one’s for you.
(If you want me to explain something, just send me a message).
Both Tener and Haber translate as ‘to have’ in Spanish.
Tener is used to show possession.
e.j Tengo un portátil
I have a laptop
Haber does not show possession and is used in the perfect and pluperfect tenses.
e.j He comprado una lavavajillas
I have bought a dishwasher
Haber and Tener are also used when talking about obligation - when you ‘must' or ‘have to’ do something.
e.j Tengo que estudiar para el examen
I have to study for the exam
e.j Hay que estudiar para el examen
One must study for the exam
Notice how they must be followed by ‘que’ and the ‘infinitive’.
Tener que + infinitive = more personal
Haber que + infinitive = more impersonal
I’ll leave it at that for now, but you can get a more detailed explanation in this Tener vs Haber guide.
(It also explains the differences between hay/hubo/había/habrá 🤝)
Un abrazo,
Harrison
Language for living, not just learning
P.S - Persevera y triunfarás. Keep going.
