Spanish Phrase
¿Tengo que leerlo?
Meaning
The speaker is asking whether they are required to read something that has already been mentioned. It conveys a sense of obligation that may be imposed by a teacher, boss, or circumstance.
When to use
Use this question when you want to confirm if reading a text, article, or document is mandatory for you, especially in academic or work settings, or when a friend suggests you read something and you’re unsure if it’s compulsory.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tengoqueleerlo
tener que + infinitivo
The construction 'tener que' + infinitive expresses an external obligation, similar to 'have to' in English.
Pronoun placement
Clitic pronouns (lo, la, los, las) are placed before the conjugated verb in standard Spanish.
Interrogative punctuation
Spanish questions are enclosed by opening (¿) and closing (?) question marks.
Verb‑pronoun agreement
The pronoun 'lo' refers to a masculine singular direct object; it must match gender and number of the thing being read.
🗨In Conversation
¿Tengo que leerlo?
Do I have to read it?
Sí, el profesor lo pidió para la clase de mañana.
Yes, the teacher asked us to read it for tomorrow’s class.
✕Common Mistakes
Tengo leerlo.
The connector 'que' is required after 'tener' to form the obligation structure.
Tengo que lo leer.
Pronouns precede the conjugated verb, not the infinitive.
Tengo que leerla.
Use 'lo' only for masculine objects; change to 'la' if the thing you refer to is feminine.
↔Alternatives
¿Debo leerlo?
Should I read it?
¿Es necesario que lo lea?
Is it necessary that I read it?
¿Me toca leerlo?
Is it my turn to read it?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking classrooms, teachers use 'tener que' to assign homework, but native speakers often prefer 'deber' for a softer, more personal suggestion. Also, remember that the clitic pronoun 'lo' must agree with the gender of the noun it replaces; if you’re talking about a feminine document, say '¿Tengo que leerla?'.