How to Say ‘You didn't have to’ in Spain Spanish
No tenías que
noh teh-NEE-ahs keh
[noh teh-NEE-ahs keh]
Phrase Breakdown
No
[noh]
no / not
Used to negate a statement.
No hay problema si respondes mañana.
There is no problem if you reply tomorrow.
tenías
[teh-NEE-ahs]
you had
Imperfect of 'tener' (tú); with 'que' means 'had to'.
Tenías que venir antes.
You had to come earlier.
que
[keh]
(to) — part of 'tener que'
Links 'tener' to an infinitive to express obligation.
Tengo que irme.
I have to go.
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