Spanish Phrase
Tengo que mirar el calendario antes.
Meaning
The speaker is saying that they need to check or look at the calendar before doing something else. It conveys a sense of planning or confirming dates before proceeding.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to tell someone you must verify the schedule before committing to an appointment, event, or any time‑sensitive activity.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tengoquemirarelcalendarioantes
tener que + infinitive
Use 'tener que' followed by an infinitive to express obligation or necessity.
mirar (infinitive)
After 'tener que', keep the verb in its infinitive form; do not conjugate it.
el calendario
Definite article 'el' with the masculine noun 'calendario' (the calendar).
antes (adverb)
'Antes' can be used alone to mean 'first' or 'before', but when followed by another verb you need 'antes de + infinitive'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Quieres ir al concierto mañana?
Do you want to go to the concert tomorrow?
Tengo que mirar el calendario antes.
I have to check the calendar first.
✕Common Mistakes
Tengo que mirar el calendario antes de.
Do not add 'de' unless you follow it with another infinitive (e.g., 'antes de salir').
Tengo que miras el calendario antes.
After 'tener que' the verb must stay in infinitive, not conjugated.
↔Alternatives
Necesito revisar el calendario antes.
I need to review the calendar first.
Debo consultar el calendario antes.
I must consult the calendar first.
Primero tengo que ver el calendario.
First I have to see the calendar.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, checking a calendar before confirming plans is considered polite and shows respect for others' time. While 'antes' alone works in casual speech, more formal contexts often prefer 'antes de + infinitive' (e.g., 'antes de decidir').