Spanish Phrase
Tenemos que llegar temprano.
Meaning
The sentence states that a group (we) is required to be at a certain place early. It conveys a sense of obligation or necessity, often linked to schedules, appointments, or travel plans.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to stress that arriving early is mandatory—e.g., before a meeting, a flight, a class, or any event where punctuality matters.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tenemosquellegartemprano
Tenemos
First‑person plural present of the verb *tener* (to have). Here it expresses obligation.
que + infinitive
The conjunction *que* introduces an infinitive verb to form a periphrastic construction of necessity.
llegar
Infinitive of the verb *llegar* (to arrive).
temprano
Adverb meaning ‘early’, placed after the infinitive.
🗨In Conversation
¿A qué hora empieza la reunión?
What time does the meeting start?
Tenemos que llegar temprano.
We have to arrive early.
✕Common Mistakes
Tenemos llegar temprano.
The conjunction *que* is required before the infinitive; without it the sentence is ungrammatical.
Tenemos que llegar a tiempo.
Learners sometimes replace *temprano* with *a tiempo*, which changes the nuance; *a tiempo* means ‘on time’, not necessarily ‘early’.
↔Alternatives
Debemos llegar temprano.
We must arrive early.
Hay que llegar temprano.
One must arrive early.
Necesitamos llegar temprano.
We need to arrive early.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, arriving a few minutes before the scheduled time is considered polite, especially for formal or business events. However, in some social contexts (e.g., family gatherings), arriving exactly on time or a little late is the norm, so adjust your timing according to the setting.