Spanish Phrase
Tenemos que hacer sitio.
Meaning
This phrase is used to indicate the need to create or clear physical space for someone or something. It combines the auxiliary 'tener que' (to have to) with the idiomatic expression 'hacer sitio', which means to make room.
When to use
It is typically used in crowded situations, such as fitting an extra person in a car, making space at a table, or clearing a shelf for new items.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tenemosquehacersitio
Tener que + Infinitive
This construction is used to express obligation. 'Tenemos' is the first-person plural form of 'tener'.
Hacer sitio
This is a common collocation in Spanish where 'hacer' functions as 'to create' or 'to clear' regarding physical space.
🗨In Conversation
Viene más gente a cenar.
More people are coming to dinner.
Tenemos que hacer sitio en la mesa.
We have to make room at the table.
✕Common Mistakes
Tenemos que hacer un cuarto.
Avoid using 'cuarto' (bedroom) to mean 'space' or 'room' in the sense of capacity.
Tenemos de hacer sitio.
Always use 'que' after 'tener' to express obligation; 'tener de' is incorrect in this context.
↔Alternatives
Hay que hacer espacio.
Space needs to be made.
Necesitamos más sitio.
We need more room.
Cultural Tip
In Spain, 'sitio' is the most natural word for physical space in this context. While 'lugar' is frequently used in Latin America, 'sitio' sounds more native in informal and domestic settings across Spain.