Spanish Phrase
¿Qué tengo que llevar a la fiesta?
Meaning
This question asks what items the speaker is required or expected to bring to a party. It conveys a sense of responsibility or invitation etiquette, asking for guidance on what to pack or prepare.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’ve been invited to a social gathering—birthday, wedding, or casual get‑together—and you want to know what you should contribute, such as food, drinks, a gift, or a specific item like a costume.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Quétengoquellevaralafiesta?
Interrogative ¿Qué?
The word 'qué' with an accent means 'what' in questions. It always carries an accent in interrogative or exclamatory sentences.
Obligation: tener que + infinitive
The construction 'tener que' + infinitive expresses a necessity or obligation, similar to 'have to' in English.
Verb llevar vs traer
Llevar means 'to take' (to bring something with you to a place). Use 'traer' when the focus is on bringing something to the speaker.
Preposition a + article
The preposition 'a' introduces the destination; combined with the definite article 'la' it forms 'a la' meaning 'to the'.
Definite article la
In Spanish, nouns are gendered; 'fiesta' is feminine, so it takes the article 'la'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué tengo que llevar a la fiesta?
What do I have to bring to the party?
Solo trae una botella de vino y, si quieres, un postre.
Just bring a bottle of wine and, if you like, a dessert.
✕Common Mistakes
Que tengo que llevar a la fiesta?
Missing the accent changes the meaning; 'que' without accent is a conjunction, not a question word.
¿Qué tengo que traer a la fiesta?
Using 'traer' here sounds odd because the focus is on what you will take to the party, not what you bring to the speaker.
¿Qué tengo llevar a la fiesta?
Replacing 'tengo que' with 'tengo' removes the sense of obligation.
↔Alternatives
¿Qué debo llevar a la fiesta?
What should I bring to the party?
¿Qué necesito llevar a la fiesta?
What do I need to bring to the party?
¿Qué me toca llevar a la fiesta?
What am I supposed to bring to the party?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, guests often bring something to share—wine, a dessert, or a small gift—especially for birthday or holiday parties. However, the exact expectation varies by region and the host’s instructions. When in doubt, a bottle of wine (vino) or a box of sweets (dulces) is a safe, appreciated choice.