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Spanish Phrase

¿Cuántas repeticiones tengo que hacer?

/ˈkwan.tas re.pe.tiˈθjo.nes ˈteŋ.go ke aˈθeɾ/
Meaning"How many repetitions do I have to do?"
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Meaning

The speaker is asking how many times they should repeat a particular exercise or activity. It conveys a request for a specific number of repetitions needed to complete a workout or practice session.

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When to use

Use this question in a gym, sports class, dance rehearsal, or any setting where a trainer or partner can tell you the required number of repetitions. It is informal but polite, suitable for conversations with coaches, friends, or classmates.

✦Grammar Breakdown

¿Cuántasrepeticionestengoquehacer?

1

¿Cuántas?

Interrogative adjective agreeing in gender and number with the noun it modifies; here feminine plural to match 'repeticiones'.

2

repeticiones

Feminine plural noun meaning 'repetitions'; often used in sports or exercise contexts.

3

tengo que

Periphrastic construction meaning 'I have to' or 'must'; formed with the verb 'tener' + que + infinitive.

4

hacer

Infinitive verb meaning 'to do' or 'to make'; follows 'tener que' to express obligation.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Cuántas repeticiones tengo que hacer?

How many repetitions do I have to do?

Haz tres series de diez repeticiones cada una.

Do three sets of ten repetitions each.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • ¿Cuántos repeticiones tengo que hacer?

    Use 'cuántas' because 'repeticiones' is feminine plural.

  • ¿Cuántas repeticiones debo hacer?

    While correct, many learners prefer the more concise 'debo' in formal contexts.

↔Alternatives

  • ¿Cuántas veces debo repetir?

    How many times should I repeat?

  • ¿Cuántas repeticiones me recomiendas?

    How many repetitions do you recommend?

  • ¿Cuántas repeticiones son necesarias?

    How many repetitions are necessary?

es

Cultural Tip

In Spanish‑speaking gyms, the word 'repeticiones' is standard, but you may also hear 'series' (sets) and 'veces' (times). The phrase is neutral; however, avoid overly formal constructions like '¿Cuántas repeticiones debo ejecutar?' unless speaking to a very formal audience. In Latin America the pronunciation of 'c' before 'e' or 'i' is /s/ (as in 'hacer' → /aˈseɾ/), while in Spain it is /θ/.