Spanish · B2 · Family moment
Looking After the Reading Tablet in Spanish
This guide helps parents and children navigate the responsibility of borrowing a school reading tablet, translating formal rules into actionable Spanish phrases using the construction 'tener que' to express obligation.
What you'll learn
- Express active obligation using 'tener que' in the context of school rules.
- Identify personal and shared responsibilities for borrowed school equipment.
- Learn vocabulary related to digital devices and school agreements.
Spanish phrases for looking after the reading tablet
El contrato de préstamo dice que tengo que firmar este formulario antes de que nos llevemos la tableta a casa.
The borrowing agreement says that I have to sign this form before we take the tablet home.
Uses 'tengo que' for a personal obligation (the parent).
Según las normas del colegio, tienes que llevar la tableta en su funda protectora.
According to the school rules, you have to carry the tablet in its protective case.
Addresses the child's responsibility directly.
Las instrucciones dicen que tenemos que mantener la comida y las bebidas alejadas de ella.
The instructions say that we have to keep food and drinks away from it.
Uses 'tenemos que' to indicate a shared family responsibility.
Como familia prestataria, tenemos que devolver la tableta el viernes.
As the borrowing family, we have to return the tablet on Friday.
'Prestataria' refers to the party receiving the loan.
El acuerdo dice que tengo que informar al colegio de cualquier daño.
The agreement says that I have to report any damage to the school.
'Informar' is used here to mean 'to report/notify'.
Las normas dicen que tienes que preguntar antes de instalar una aplicación nueva.
The rules say that you have to ask before installing a new app.
Reinforces the child's boundary regarding software.
Antes de devolverla, tenemos que volver a meter el cargador en la bolsa.
Before we return it, we have to put the charger back in the bag.
'Volver a meter' captures the meaning of putting something back inside.
El colegio tiene que explicar cómo podemos usar la aplicación de lectura de forma segura.
The school has to explain how we can use the reading app safely.
Identifies the school as the party with the obligation.
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Contrato de préstamo
Borrowing agreement
A formal term for a loan contract.
Funda protectora
Protective case
Commonly used for tablet or phone covers.
Aplicación (App)
App
Often shortened to 'app' in conversational Spanish.
Cargador
Charger
The device used to provide power to the battery.
Active Obligation: Tener que + Infinitive
In Spanish, the active construction 'tener que' (to have to) is the standard way to express that a specific person is responsible for an action. Unlike passive constructions (hay que / se debe), 'tener que' requires a conjugated form of 'tener' to identify who must perform the task.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I have to (Parent) | Tengo que + infinitive | Tengo que firmar. |
| You have to (Child) | Tienes que + infinitive | Tienes que preguntar. |
| We have to (Family) | Tenemos que + infinitive | Tenemos que devolverla. |
More examples
¡Cuidado! Tienes que usar las dos manos.
Careful! You have to use both hands.
A practical application of obligation in a child-friendly context.
Mañana tenemos que llevar el cargador al colegio.
Tomorrow we have to take the charger to school.
Refers to a specific deadline/duty.