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Spanish Phrase

¿Tengo que llegar temprano?

/ˈteŋ.go ke ʝeˈɣaɾ temˈpɾa.no/
Meaning"Do I have to arrive early?"
💡

Meaning

The speaker is asking whether they are required to arrive early. It’s a polite way to confirm expectations about timing for a meeting, class, work shift, or any scheduled event.

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When to use

Use this question when you need clarification about a deadline, a meeting start time, a class, or any situation where punctuality might be important. It works in both formal (business, academic) and informal (social gathering) contexts.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Tengoquellegartemprano

1

Tengo (tener)

First‑person singular present of "tener" meaning "I have"; when followed by "que" it forms an obligation.

2

que (obligation connector)

A conjunction that links "tener" with an infinitive to express a duty or necessity.

3

llegar (infinitive)

The infinitive form of the verb "to arrive"; used after "tener que" to indicate the action required.

4

temprano (adverb)

An adverb meaning "early"; placed after the verb to modify the time of arrival.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Tengo que llegar temprano?

Do I have to arrive early?

Sí, la reunión empieza a las ocho en punto.

Yes, the meeting starts at eight o’clock.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Tengo que llegar temprano?

    Spanish questions require an opening inverted question mark (¿).

  • Tengo que llegar temprano.

    Without the question marks this becomes a statement, not a question.

  • Tengo que llegar temprano, ¿no?

    Adding "¿no?" changes the nuance to a tag question; it’s acceptable but not the same direct inquiry.

↔Alternatives

  • ¿Debo llegar temprano?

    Should I arrive early?

  • ¿Es necesario que llegue temprano?

    Is it necessary that I arrive early?

  • ¿Tengo que estar allí temprano?

    Do I have to be there early?

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Cultural Tip

In many Spanish‑speaking countries, business meetings and academic appointments are expected to start on time, so asking "¿Tengo que llegar temprano?" shows professionalism. Social events, however, often run on a more relaxed schedule, so you might hear "¿Llegamos temprano?" instead. Using "tener que" is direct; if you want a softer tone, swap it for "deber" or "es necesario que".