Use of reflexive / direct/ indirect object pronouns with "Tener que"

Missy E.B2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Use of reflexive / direct/ indirect object pronouns with "Tener que"

With "tener que + infinitive" do you have to attach the pronoun to the infinitive or can it also be placed before "tener"?

Example: Tengo que lavarme las manos.

Me tengo que lavar las manos.

Are both sentences correct or is only the first sentence correct?

Asked 3 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hola Missy

Yes, you can place it either at the end, stuck to the infinitive:

Tengo que lavarme las manos.

Or right in front of tener:

Me tengo que lavar las manos.

Here is a lesson that explains the position of reflexive pronouns with infinitive, gerunds and affirmative commands. We don't have any sentence using tener que, but you can see other examples with similar structures using an infinitive and the rule that applies. 

Have a look here.

Saludos

Inma

Marsha C.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

The structure is tener que + infinitive. The reflexive verb in the infinitive is lavarse so it cannot be separated when using a structure such as tener que.

Goo S.A2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Marsha disagrees with Inma

Missy E. asked:

Use of reflexive / direct/ indirect object pronouns with "Tener que"

With "tener que + infinitive" do you have to attach the pronoun to the infinitive or can it also be placed before "tener"?

Example: Tengo que lavarme las manos.

Me tengo que lavar las manos.

Are both sentences correct or is only the first sentence correct?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your Spanish level for FREE

Test your Spanish to the CEFR standard

Find your Spanish level
Let me take a look at that...