Spanish Phrase
Tengo que hacer la compra.
Meaning
Literally, 'I have to do the shopping.' It is used to state a personal obligation to go grocery‑shopping or to buy household items.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to tell someone (or yourself) that you must go out to buy food, cleaning supplies, or other everyday necessities. It works in casual conversation, planning a day’s errands, or answering a question about your plans.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tengoquehacerlacompra
Tener + que
The construction 'tener que' expresses obligation, similar to 'have to' in English. The verb after 'que' stays in infinitive.
Que (conjunction)
Here 'que' is not a relative pronoun but a conjunction linking the obligation to the infinitive verb.
Hacer (infinitive)
The infinitive 'hacer' means 'to do' or 'to make' and is used with 'la compra' to talk about shopping.
La compra
A set phrase meaning 'the grocery shopping' or 'the shopping trip'. The definite article is required.
🗨In Conversation
¿Vas a ir al supermercado hoy?
Are you going to the supermarket today?
Sí, tengo que hacer la compra.
Yes, I have to do the shopping.
✕Common Mistakes
Tengo que hacer compra.
The article 'la' is required before 'compra' because 'compra' is a specific activity, not a generic noun.
Tengo que hacer la compras.
'Compra' is singular; the phrase refers to the act of shopping, not multiple purchases.
Tengo que comprar la compra.
Redundant – you either 'haces la compra' (do the shopping) or 'compras' (buy). Mixing both sounds unnatural.
↔Alternatives
Debo hacer la compra.
I must do the shopping.
Necesito hacer la compra.
I need to do the shopping.
Tengo que comprar.
I have to buy (something).
Cultural Tip
In Spain, 'hacer la compra' is the most common way to refer to a grocery‑shopping trip. In many Latin American countries people often say 'ir al súper' or simply 'hacer la compra' as well, but the article 'la' is never omitted. Remember that the phrase can also be used metaphorically to talk about any necessary procurement, not just food.