Spanish Phrase
Tengo que declarar cosas.
Meaning
The sentence means 'I have to declare things.' It conveys a sense of duty, often used when someone must report items, information, or belongings, such as at customs or in a formal statement.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to tell someone that you are required to disclose items, facts, or information—e.g., at airport customs, during a tax filing, or when filling out a questionnaire.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tengoquedeclararcosas
Obligation with 'tener que'
'Tener que' + infinitive expresses a personal obligation, similar to 'have to' in English.
Infinitive verb after 'que'
When 'tener' is followed by 'que', the next verb stays in its infinitive form.
Direct object 'cosas'
'Cosas' is a plural noun meaning 'things' and can refer to any items or matters.
🗨In Conversation
¿Ya llenaste el formulario de la aduana?
Did you already fill out the customs form?
Sí, pero todavía tengo que declarar cosas que compré en el duty‑free.
Yes, but I still have to declare things I bought at the duty‑free.
✕Common Mistakes
Tengo que declaro cosas.
After 'tener que', the verb must stay in infinitive, not conjugated.
Tengo que declarar cosa.
If you mean multiple items, use the plural 'cosas'.
Tengo que declarar los cosas.
Definite article 'los' is not used with the generic noun 'cosas' unless you refer to specific items already known.
↔Alternatives
Debo declarar cosas.
I must declare things.
Necesito declarar cosas.
I need to declare things.
Me toca declarar cosas.
It's my turn to declare things.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, customs officers often ask '¿Tiene algo que declarar?' (Do you have anything to declare?). Responding with 'Tengo que declarar cosas' is perfectly natural. Remember that 'cosas' is vague; if you can be specific (e.g., 'productos electrónicos' or 'regalos'), it sounds more precise and polite.