haver de + Infinitive

Have to with Haver De

Level 2

Haver de + infinitive expresses obligation or practical necessity.

How It Works

Conjugate haver for the person who must act: he de, has de, ha de, hem de, heu de, han de. The following infinitive does not change: hem de sortir. Keep de between the finite verb and the infinitive.

This construction differs from a compound tense. He de treballar means I have to work; he treballat means I have worked. The first contains de and an infinitive; the second contains a participle without de.

A negative statement such as no has de venir normally says that coming is not necessary in the relevant context, though tone can make a prohibition reading possible. For an unambiguous direct prohibition, use a negative command such as no vinguis. A conditional hauríem de can make an obligation into advice.

Examples (3)

  1. He de portar el passaport.

    I have to bring my passport.

  2. Hem de sortir aviat.

    We have to leave early.

  3. Hauries de descansar.

    You should rest.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

haver de + InfinitiveLevel 2Have to with Haver De

Learn This First

Recognize a finite verb followed by an unchanged infinitive.

Words in This Pattern

haver dehaver