Present: Set Expressions
Spanish: Cambridge International GCSE, topic 8.1.24
Set Expressions
Hay - there is/there are
- This expression does not change.
- Even if the subject is plural it stays as 'hay'.
- Hay un riesgo - there is a risk.
- Hay muchas manzanas - there are a lot of apples.
Acabar de - to have just (done something)
- In Spanish to say that 'you have just done something', the verb 'acabar de' is used.
- 'Acabar de' is a regular AR verb and is always followed by an infinitive.
- Acabo de leer el libro - I have just read the book.
- Acaban de nadar en la piscina - they have just swam in the pool.
Tener que - to have to/need to
- The verb 'tener' is used with 'que' to say that you 'have to do something'.
- 'Tener' follows its present tense conjugation and it is always followed by the infinitive.
- Tengo que comer fruta - I need to eat fruit.
- Sam tiene que hacer más ejercicio - Sam has to do more exercise.
Dejar de - to stop
- When used by itself, 'dejar' means to leave someone or something behind.
- When used with 'de' the meaning changes to 'to stop'.
- In this form 'dejar de' is always followed by an infinitive.
- 'Dejar' is a regular AR verb.
- Mi hermana no deja de hablar - My sister does not stop talking.
- Tengo que dejar de fumar - I need to stop smoking.
Valer la pena - to be worth the trouble
- This is used in the 'él/ella' form and the 'ellos/ellas' form.
- Vale la pena. - It is worth the trouble.
- Valen la pena. - They are worth the trouble.
Test yourself on Present: Set Expressions
How do you say 'you (plural) have to' in Spanish?