Los modales: must, have to, should, mustn't, don't have to
Obligación, prohibición, ausencia de obligación y consejo.
| Modal | Sentido | Ejemplo |
|---|---|---|
| must | obligación (a menudo sentida por quien habla) | I must call my mother. |
| have to | obligación (norma externa) | I have to wear a uniform at work. |
| mustn't | prohibición | You mustn't smoke here. |
| don't have to | no hace falta | You don't have to come. |
| should | consejo | You should see a doctor. |
| could | posibilidad, sugerencia, capacidad pasada | We could go to the cinema. I could swim at 5. |
«Must» no tiene pasado: para «tuve que» se usa had to: I had to work late yesterday. Para el futuro: I'll have to…
Test yourself
-
Completa: You ___ touch that, it's dangerous! (prohibido)
Show answer
mustn't -
Completa: It's Sunday, you ___ get up early. (no hace falta)
Show answer
don't have to -
Traduce: «Deberías descansar.»
Show answer
You should rest. -
Traduce: «Tuve que irme pronto.»
Show answer
I had to leave early.