Was bedeutet have to (in this context) ?

Thank you! We will have to call sometime then, but it will have to be when I come back from Japan! :) That would be fun!
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I can see this is different from the usual meaning of "have to" but I can't quite put my finger on it.. Would you mind explaining it?

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abutner

30 Jan 2016

Favorisierte Antwort

Englisch (US)

The first "have to" is different. It is a polite way to make plans or obligations without saying directly "I will call you then" which seems more forceful. It lets the other person know you are thinking about calling them without stating strongly "I will call you." The second "it will have to" means it necessarily must be after she gets home from Japan.

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selinama5

30 Jan 2016

Englisch (UK)
Englisch (US)

Do you mean the second one?
Because you could replace it with "it can only be when I come back"
The first one would have the same meaning without the "have to"
Hope that helps :)

abutner

30 Jan 2016

Englisch (US)

The first "have to" is different. It is a polite way to make plans or obligations without saying directly "I will call you then" which seems more forceful. It lets the other person know you are thinking about calling them without stating strongly "I will call you." The second "it will have to" means it necessarily must be after she gets home from Japan.

wayfarer515

30 Jan 2016

Koreanisch

Thanks a lot! I was more curious about the first one. I think it's definitely not related to duty, obligation, responsibility. Because that is the reply of what I said along the lines of "If you want to practice language with me, tell me anytime!"
And if it has the same meaning without "have to" why people use one?

wayfarer515

30 Jan 2016

Koreanisch

Ahh thank you so much. I understand it now! :)

abutner

30 Jan 2016

Englisch (US)

You know, I'm not really sure! The difference is subtle and not really that important. I think it is for that reason: you don't want to have a sense of duty or obligation attached to it. If you say "I will call you." Then the other person can reasonably expect to receive a call. But to me "I'll have to call you" makes me feel like the obligation is put on the person who is doing the calling.

wayfarer515

30 Jan 2016

Koreanisch

Oh, it makes sense to me. And it's really interesting as it seems to be related to a different way of perceiving the world based on cultural things! Thank you!