Tener is a versatile verb in Spanish that can be used in a variety of situations. It is one of the most commonly used verbs, and knowing how to use it correctly is essential for anyone learning the language.
Tener is often translated as “to have,” but its usage goes beyond just possession. It is used to express a wide range of concepts, such as age, feelings, physical sensations, and obligations.
One of the main uses of tener is to indicate possession. For example, “Tengo un coche” means “I have a car.” In this sense, tener is used to show ownership or the existence of something.
Tener is also used to express age. Instead of saying “I am [age] years old,” in Spanish, you would say “Tengo [age] años.” For example, “Tengo 30 años” means “I am 30 years old.” This usage of tener is important to remember when talking about your age or asking someone else about theirs.
Furthermore, tener is used to describe physical sensations or feelings. For example, “Tengo sed” means “I am thirsty,” and “Tengo miedo” means “I am scared.” In these cases, tener is used to express a temporary state or condition.
In addition to its use in expressing possession, age, and sensations, tener is also used to express obligations or responsibilities. For example, “Tengo que estudiar” means “I have to study,” and “Tengo una reunión” means “I have a meeting.” This usage of tener indicates that you have a duty or obligation to do something.
Overall, understanding when to use tener is crucial for mastering the Spanish language. It is a verb with multiple applications, ranging from possession to describing sensations and obligations. By familiarizing yourself with its various uses and practicing their application in context, you will be able to use tener effectively in your conversations.
Key Points to Remember
Here are the key points to remember when using the verb tener:
- Tener is a Spanish verb that means “to have.”
- Tener is an irregular verb, so its conjugation can vary in different tenses and with different subjects.
- Tener is commonly used to express possession or ownership, as in “Tengo un libro” (I have a book).
- Tener is also used to express age, as in “Tengo veinte años” (I am twenty years old).
- Tener can be used to indicate physical sensations or states, such as “Tengo hambre” (I am hungry) or “Tengo frío” (I am cold).
- Tener is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as “Tener éxito” (to be successful) or “Tener en cuenta” (to take into account).
- Tener is used in many common phrases and expressions, so it is important to learn how to use it correctly.
By understanding these key points, you will be able to use the verb tener effectively in your Spanish conversations and writing.
Overview of Tener
Tener is a Spanish verb that has a wide range of uses. It is often translated as “to have,” but it can also convey other meanings depending on the context. Here are some key ways in which tener is commonly used:
1. Possession: Tener is used to indicate possession, similar to the English verb “to have.” For example, “Tengo un perro” means “I have a dog.”
2. Age: When talking about one’s age in Spanish, tener is used instead of the verb “to be” in English. For example, “Tengo 25 años” means “I am 25 years old.”
3. Expressions: Tener is used in many common expressions in Spanish. For example, “tener hambre” means “to be hungry,” and “tener sueño” means “to be sleepy.”
4. Feelings and Sensations: Tener is used to express feelings and sensations. For example, “tener frío” means “to be cold,” and “tener miedo” means “to be afraid.”
5. Obligations and Responsibilities: Tener is used to express obligations and responsibilities. For example, “tener que estudiar” means “to have to study,” and “tener la responsabilidad” means “to have the responsibility.”
Overall, tener is a versatile verb that is used in many different contexts in the Spanish language. It is important to understand its various uses in order to communicate effectively in Spanish.
Common Uses of Tener
Tener is a versatile verb with a wide range of uses in Spanish. Here are some common ways it is used:
- Expressing possession: Tener is often used to indicate possession. For example: “Tengo un perro” (I have a dog).
- Expressing age: Tener + age is used to express how old someone is. For example: “Tiene veinte años” (He/She is twenty years old).
- Expressing feelings: Tener is used to express certain feelings or sensations. For example: “Tengo hambre” (I am hungry) or “Tienes frío” (You are cold).
- Expressing obligations: Tener is used to express obligations or responsibilities. For example: “Tengo que estudiar” (I have to study) or “Tienes que trabajar” (You have to work).
- Expressing expressions and idioms: Tener is used in many Spanish expressions and idioms. For example: “Tener miedo” (to be afraid) or “Tener paciencia” (to have patience).
- Expressing time: Tener is used to express the time of day. For example: “Tengo una cita a las cinco” (I have an appointment at five o’clock).
These are just a few of the many ways tener is used in Spanish. It is a fundamental verb to learn and practice in order to become fluent in the language.
Using Tener in Expressions
When it comes to expressing age or describing physical sensations, the verb “tener” is often used in Spanish. Here are some common expressions that use “tener”:
- Tener hambre: to be hungry
- Tener sed: to be thirsty
- Tener frío: to be cold
- Tener calor: to be hot
- Tener sueño: to be sleepy
- Tener miedo: to be afraid
- Tener prisa: to be in a hurry
- Tener razón: to be right
- Tener suerte: to be lucky
- Tener cuidado: to be careful
These expressions are commonly used in everyday conversations in Spanish and can help you express yourself more accurately and fluently.
Tener in Questions
Tener is a commonly used verb in Spanish that can be translated as “to have”. It is often used to express possession or to talk about age. However, tener can also be used in questions to ask about possession or to inquire about someone’s age.
When using tener in questions, it is important to remember the correct word order. The verb tener is always conjugated to match the subject of the sentence, whether it is singular or plural. It is then followed by the subject pronoun and the rest of the question. For example:
¿Tienes hermanos? (Do you have siblings?)
¿Tiene María un auto? (Does María have a car?)
In these examples, the verb tener is conjugated as tienes (you have) and tiene (he/she has) to match the subject of the question. It is important to note that the subject pronoun is included after the verb, unlike in English where it is often omitted.
Tener can also be used in questions to ask about someone’s age. To do this, the word order is slightly different. The verb tener is still conjugated to match the subject, but it is followed by the subject pronoun and the word años (years). For example:
¿Cuántos años tienes? (How old are you?)
¿Cuántos años tiene tu hermana? (How old is your sister?)
In these examples, the verb tener is conjugated as tienes (you have) and tiene (he/she has) to match the subject of the question. The word años is used to indicate years.
So, next time you want to ask someone about their possessions or their age, remember to use the verb tener in your questions!
Tener with Age
Tener, the Spanish verb meaning “to have,” is commonly used when talking about a person’s age. It is used to express how old someone is or to ask someone’s age. In these cases, the verb tener is conjugated to match the subject’s age.
Example Sentences:
1. Yo tengo veinte años. (I am twenty years old.)
2. ¿Cuántos años tienes? (How old are you?)
3. Él tiene cincuenta años. (He is fifty years old.)
4. Mi hermana tiene diez años. (My sister is ten years old.)
It is important to note that when using tener with age, the word años (years) is always included. This helps clarify that the subject is talking about their age.
Using the verb tener with age is a crucial aspect of Spanish conversation. Mastering this usage will help you better communicate and understand someone’s age.
Tener with Emotions
Tener is a versatile verb in the Spanish language that can be used to express a wide range of emotions. In this section, we will explore some common expressions and examples of how to use tener with emotions.
Basic Emotions
Tener is commonly used to express basic emotions such as happiness, sadness, and anger. Here are a few examples:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Tengo hambre | I am hungry |
| Tienes sueño | You are sleepy |
| Tiene miedo | He/She is afraid |
Physical Sensations
In addition to emotions, tener can also be used to describe physical sensations. Here are a few examples:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Tengo frío | I am cold |
| Tienes calor | You are hot |
| Tiene sed | He/She is thirsty |
Remember, when using tener with emotions or physical sensations, the verb is conjugated according to the subject. For example:
Yo tengo hambre (I am hungry)
Tú tienes sueño (You are sleepy)
Él/Ella tiene miedo (He/She is afraid)
By understanding the appropriate use of tener with emotions, you can better express yourself and communicate your feelings in the Spanish language. Practice using these expressions in conversation to improve your fluency and understanding. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
Tener with Possessions
In addition to expressing age and feelings, the verb “tener” is also commonly used to indicate possession. When talking about possessions, we use the verb “tener” followed by the subject pronoun and the object being possessed.
Here are some examples of how to use “tener” with possessions:
Example 1:
- I have a car. – Tengo un coche.
- He has a house. – Él tiene una casa.
- She has a dog. – Ella tiene un perro.
Example 2:
- We have a computer. – Tenemos una computadora.
- You have a book. – Tienes un libro.
- They have two bicycles. – Ellos tienen dos bicicletas.
Note that the word order in Spanish is different from English. In Spanish, the object being possessed comes after the verb “tener”, while in English, it comes before the verb “have”.
It is also worth mentioning that to express the possession of a body part, we use the phrase “tener + possessive pronoun + body part”. For example:
- I have blue eyes. – Tengo los ojos azules.
- She has long hair. – Ella tiene el pelo largo.
- We have strong legs. – Tenemos las piernas fuertes.
Remember to always use the correct form of “tener” according to the subject pronoun and conjugate it accordingly.
Tener with Relationships
Tener is also used to express relationships in Spanish. It is used to indicate the age, feelings, or characteristics that someone “has” in relation to another person. Here are some examples:
- Tener cinco años – “To be” five years old.
- Tener hambre – “To be” hungry.
- Tener sed – “To be” thirsty.
- Tener frío – “To be” cold.
- Tener calor – “To be” hot.
- Tener sueño – “To be” sleepy.
- Tener miedo – “To be” afraid.
- Tener razón – “To be” right.
- Tener suerte – “To be” lucky.
As you can see, tener is used to express various feelings and characteristics that someone “has” in a relationship. Remember that these expressions are idiomatic, and you need to use the verb tener to express them correctly in Spanish.
Tener with Time Expressions
Another common use of the verb “tener” is to talk about age. In English, we say, “I am [number] years old,” while in Spanish, we use the verb “tener” to indicate age. For example, “Tengo veinticinco años” translates to “I am twenty-five years old.” Here are some more examples:
- Tengo treinta años – I am thirty years old
- Tienes cincuenta y dos años – You are fifty-two years old
- Tiene diecisiete años – He/she is seventeen years old
- Tenemos veinte años – We are twenty years old
In addition to indicating age, “tener” is also used to express the concept of having a certain amount of time. The structure typically used is “tener + expression of time.” Here are some examples:
- Tengo cinco minutos – I have five minutes
- Tienes dos horas – You have two hours
- Tiene tres días de vacaciones – He/she has three days off
- Tenemos una semana para terminar el proyecto – We have one week to finish the project
Remember that in Spanish, we use “tener” to talk about age and express possession of time. Practice using these expressions to improve your understanding and fluency in Spanish!
Tener with Weather
When it comes to talking about the weather in Spanish, the verb “tener” is commonly used. Here are some examples of how to use “tener” when discussing the weather:
Expressions:
There are several common expressions with “tener” that are used to talk about the weather. Here are a few examples:
| Tener calor | To be hot |
| Tener frío | To be cold |
| Tener viento | To be windy |
| Tener lluvia | To have rain |
| Tener nieve | To have snow |
Examples:
Here are some example sentences using “tener” with weather expressions:
Hoy tenemos calor en la playa.
Today it’s hot at the beach.
Ayer tuvimos lluvia en la ciudad.
Yesterday we had rain in the city.
Mañana tendremos viento en las montañas.
Tomorrow we will have wind in the mountains.
As you can see, “tener” is a useful verb to use when describing the weather in Spanish. By learning common expressions and practicing with examples, you can easily incorporate this verb into your everyday conversations.
Tener with Health
When it comes to talking about health, the verb “tener” is commonly used in Spanish. Here are a few essential tips on how to use “tener” to express different aspects of health.
1. Tener calor / frío
In Spanish, we use the verb “tener” to talk about feeling hot or cold. For example:
– Tengo calor. (I am hot.)
– Tenemos frío. (We are cold.)
2. Tener hambre / sed
“Tener” is also used to express hunger and thirst:
– Tengo hambre. (I am hungry.)
– Tenemos sed. (We are thirsty.)
Remember that “tener” is followed by the noun that represents the feeling or need.
These are just a few examples of how to use “tener” with health-related expressions. By understanding how to use this verb, you can effectively communicate your state of health and feelings in Spanish.
Tener with Actions
When using the verb “tener” in Spanish, it can also be used to express actions that are performed or experienced. In these cases, “tener” is often used in conjunction with an action noun or verb.
Here are some examples of how to use “tener” with actions:
1. Tener hambre: This phrase is used to express hunger. For example, “Tengo hambre” means “I am hungry”.
2. Tener sed: This phrase is used to express thirst. For example, “Tengo sed” means “I am thirsty”.
3. Tener sueño: This phrase is used to express sleepiness. For example, “Tengo sueño” means “I am sleepy”.
4. Tener prisa: This phrase is used to express being in a hurry. For example, “Tengo prisa” means “I am in a hurry”.
5. Tener cuidado: This phrase is used to express being careful. For example, “Ten cuidado” means “Be careful”.
Note: In all of these examples, the verb “tener” is conjugated according to the subject pronoun. It is important to use the correct form of “tener” based on who is performing the action.
By using the verb “tener” with actions, you can effectively communicate your needs, feelings, and actions in Spanish. Practice using these expressions in conversation to become more fluent in the language.
Tener with Habits
When it comes to talking about habits in Spanish, the verb “tener” plays an important role. The verb “tener” is used to express habits or repetitive actions in the present tense.
For example, if you want to say “I have the habit of exercising every morning,” you would say “Tengo el hábito de hacer ejercicio cada mañana.” In this sentence, “tener” is used to indicate the possession of the habit of exercising every morning.
Another example could be “He has the habit of reading before bed.” This would be translated as “Él tiene el hábito de leer antes de dormir.” Again, “tener” is used to show that the person possesses the habit of reading before bed.
It’s important to note that when using “tener” to talk about habits, you need to use the definite article “el” before the noun “hábito.” This is because in Spanish, habits are considered as something specific and concrete.
So remember, when talking about habits in Spanish, don’t forget to use “tener” to express possession of the habit. And always use the definite article “el” before the noun “hábito” to make your sentence grammatically correct.
Tener with Desires and Intentions
When it comes to expressing desires and intentions in Spanish, the verb “tener” is commonly used. Here are some examples of how to use “tener” in this context:
| Sentence | Translation |
|---|---|
| Tengo ganas de comer pizza. | I feel like eating pizza. |
| Tienes la intención de viajar a Italia. | You have the intention to travel to Italy. |
| Tenemos el deseo de aprender un nuevo idioma. | We have the desire to learn a new language. |
| Tienen el sueño de ser famosos. | They have the dream of being famous. |
Note that in these examples, “tener” is used in its present tense conjugation to indicate the possession of desires or intentions. It is also common to use the phrase “tener ganas de” to express the feeling of wanting or desiring something.
So the next time you want to express your desires or intentions in Spanish, remember to use the verb “tener” to convey your thoughts and feelings accurately.
Tener with Abilities
One of the many uses of the Spanish verb “tener” is to express abilities or skills. Just like in English when we say “I have the ability to…”, in Spanish we use the construction “tener + ability”.
To talk about abilities or skills that someone possesses, we use “tener” followed by the noun or adjective describing the ability. Here are some examples:
Tener habilidades – to have abilities/skills
Tengo habilidades para la música – I have abilities in music
Tienes habilidades para el dibujo – You have abilities in drawing
Tiene habilidades para el fútbol – He/She has abilities in soccer
Tenemos habilidades para la cocina – We have abilities in cooking
Tener talento – to have talent
Tengo talento para la pintura – I have talent in painting
Tienes talento para la danza – You have talent in dancing
Tiene talento para el canto – He/She has talent in singing
Tenemos talento para el teatro – We have talent in theater
Tener capacidades – to have abilities/capabilities
Tengo capacidades para la tecnología – I have abilities in technology
Tienes capacidades para los idiomas – You have abilities in languages
Tiene capacidades para los negocios – He/She has abilities in business
Tenemos capacidades para la organización – We have abilities in organization
Remember to use “tener” to talk about abilities and skills in Spanish. It is a versatile verb that can be used in various contexts to express ownership, possession, and even abilities. Practice and immerse yourself in the language to become more comfortable with these uses of “tener”.
Tener with Obligations
When it comes to expressing obligations in Spanish, the verb “tener” is commonly used. Just like in English, where we say “have to” or “must,” in Spanish we use “tener que” to convey the same meaning.
Here are a few examples of how to use “tener” with obligations:
1. Tengo que estudiar. (I have to study.)
2. Tenemos que hacer la tarea. (We have to do the homework.)
3. ¿Tienes que ir al médico? (Do you have to go to the doctor?)
Note that in Spanish, the verb “tener” is conjugated based on the subject of the sentence, while the word “que” remains constant. Additionally, the word “tener” is often followed by an infinitive verb that indicates the action that needs to be done.
Tener que is a useful phrase to express obligations, whether they are personal, work-related, or simply everyday tasks. It is important to remember that Spanish uses this construction instead of the word “must” as it is in English.
Tener with Disadvantages
While tener is a versatile verb that can be used in many situations, it also has its disadvantages. Here are a few instances where using tener might not be the best option:
1. Expressing Physical Sensations
Although tener is commonly used to express physical sensations in Spanish, it doesn’t always translate directly into English. For example, when saying “tengo hambre” in Spanish, it translates to “I am hungry” in English. However, in English, we typically use the verb “to be” instead of “to have” to express physical sensations.
2. Expressing Relationships
Tener is not typically used to express relationships in English. While in Spanish it is common to say “tener una amistad” (to have a friendship) or “tener pareja” (to have a partner), in English we would say “to be friends” or “to be in a relationship” instead.
3. Expressing Age
In Spanish, we use tener to express age, for example, “tener 20 años” (to be 20 years old). However, in English, we simply use the verb “to be” followed by the age, as in “I am 20 years old.”
It’s important to remember these differences when using tener in Spanish and translating it into English. Understanding the nuances of language can help you communicate more effectively.
Tener with Advantages
When it comes to the verb “tener,” there are several advantages of using it in certain situations. Here are some of the main advantages:
1. Expressing Possession
One of the primary uses of “tener” is to express possession. For example, you can use it to indicate ownership of objects, such as “Tengo un coche” (I have a car). It can also be used to express relationships, such as “Tiene una hermana” (He/She has a sister).
2. Talking about Age
“Tener” is commonly used to talk about someone’s age. Instead of using the verb “ser” (to be), Spanish speakers use “tener” followed by the number of years. For example, “Tengo veinte años” (I am twenty years old).
3. Indicating Physical or Emotional States
“Tener” can also be used to indicate physical or emotional states. For example, “Tengo frío” (I am cold) or “Tiene miedo” (He/She is scared). This usage is particularly common when talking about feelings or sensations.
In conclusion, “tener” has several advantages when it comes to expressing possession, talking about age, and indicating physical or emotional states. By understanding these uses, you can effectively incorporate “tener” into your Spanish conversations.
Tener with Opportunities
Tener (to have) can also be used to express opportunities or the chance to do something. In this context, tener is often followed by the preposition de and an infinitive verb.
Examples:
- Tengo la oportunidad de viajar por el mundo. (I have the opportunity to travel the world.)
- Tienes la posibilidad de aprender un nuevo idioma. (You have the possibility to learn a new language.)
- Tenemos la opción de estudiar en el extranjero. (We have the option to study abroad.)
By using tener in this way, you can highlight the positive aspects of an opportunity and convey the idea of having a chance or the resources to do something.
Tener with Certainty
One of the most common uses of the verb “tener” is to express certainty or confidence in something. This usage can be seen in phrases such as:
Tener razón – to be right, to have reason
Example: Juan tiene razón, ese libro es muy interesante.
Tener éxito – to be successful, to have success
Example: El restaurante nuevo ha tenido mucho éxito desde su apertura.
Tener confianza – to have confidence
Example: Los padres tienen confianza en la capacidad de su hijo para hacerlo bien en el examen.
Tener certeza – to have certainty
Example: Tengo certeza de que ella llegará a tiempo a la reunión.
These phrases all use the verb “tener” to convey a strong sense of certainty or confidence. By using “tener” in these contexts, you can emphasize your belief or confidence in a particular statement or situation.
Tener with Uncertainty
When it comes to expressing uncertainty or doubt, the verb “tener” can be incredibly useful in Spanish. By using certain expressions with “tener,” you can convey a sense of doubt or uncertainty in a variety of situations.
Expressions with Tener
There are several commonly used expressions with “tener” that indicate uncertainty or doubt:
- Tener dudas: To have doubts
- Tener miedo: To be afraid
- Tener incertidumbre: To have uncertainty
- Tener sospechas: To have suspicions
- Tener inseguridad: To feel insecure
These expressions can be used in a variety of contexts to convey different degrees of uncertainty. For example:
Tengo dudas sobre mi decisión. (I have doubts about my decision.)
¿Tienes miedo de volar? (Are you afraid of flying?)
Using Tener with Indirect Questions
Tener can also be used with indirect questions to express uncertainty or doubt about something. In this case, the word order changes slightly, with the verb “tener” coming before the indirect question. For example:
Tenemos qué hacer en esta situación? (Do we have to do anything in this situation?)
Tienes idea de dónde está el restaurante? (Do you have any idea where the restaurant is?)
By using “tener” in these indirect questions, you can convey a sense of uncertainty or doubt about the subject at hand.
Tener with Differences
When it comes to using the verb “tener,” there are some important differences to keep in mind. Here are a few key points to remember:
- Tener is used to express age in Spanish. For example, “Tengo veinticinco años” means “I am twenty-five years old.”
- Tener is also used to indicate possession. For instance, “Tengo un perro” translates to “I have a dog.”
- Tener can be used to talk about physical sensations and feelings. For instance, “Tengo hambre” means “I am hungry,” and “Tengo miedo” translates to “I am afraid.”
- Tener is used in several idiomatic expressions. For example, “Tener éxito” means “to be successful,” “Tener paciencia” translates to “to have patience,” and “Tener prisa” means “to be in a hurry.”
Remember to pay attention to context when using the verb “tener,” as it can have different meanings depending on the situation. Practice using “tener” in various contexts to improve your understanding and communication skills in Spanish.
Tener with Similarities
While “tener” is primarily used to express possession or age, it can also be used in certain situations to express similarities. Here are some examples of how to use “tener” when talking about similarities:
- Tener en común: This phrase is used to indicate that two or more people or things share something in common. For example: “Mi hermana y yo tenemos en común el interés por la música” (My sister and I have a common interest in music).
- Tener parecido con: This phrase is used to express similarity in appearance or characteristics. For example: “Pedro tiene un parecido increíble con su padre” (Pedro has an incredible resemblance to his father).
- Tener algo de: This phrase is used to express a slight similarity or resemblance. For example: “El vestido tiene algo de verde” (The dress has a touch of green).
- Tener semejanzas con: This phrase is used to indicate that two or more things share similarities. For example: “La película tiene semejanzas con el libro en que está basada” (The movie has similarities with the book it is based on).
Remember that when using “tener” to express similarities, it is often followed by a noun or an adjective that describes the similarity. Pay attention to the prepositions used with each phrase to ensure the correct meaning is conveyed.
Tener with Contrasts
One of the key ways to use “tener” is to express contrasts between certain conditions or situations. Let’s take a look at some examples:
1. Tener hambre (to be hungry) vs. tener sed (to be thirsty)
Tener is used to indicate hunger and thirst. You can say “Tengo hambre” to express that you are hungry and “Tengo sed” to express that you are thirsty. These phrases are often used when ordering food or drinks at a restaurant.
2. Tener frío (to be cold) vs. tener calor (to be hot)
Tener is also used to express sensations of cold and heat. You can say “Tengo frío” to express that you are cold and “Tengo calor” to express that you are hot. These phrases are commonly used when discussing the weather or indicating personal comfort.
3. Tener sueño (to be sleepy) vs. tener miedo (to be afraid)
Tener can also be used to express feelings of sleepiness and fear. You can say “Tengo sueño” to express that you are sleepy and “Tengo miedo” to express that you are afraid. These phrases are frequently used when talking about personal emotions or experiences.
It’s important to note that “tener” is used with these phrases instead of other verbs like “estar” or “ser” to indicate temporary conditions or sensations. By using “tener,” you emphasize the contrast between different states or situations.
In summary, “tener” is a versatile verb that can be used to express contrasts between hunger and thirst, cold and heat, sleepiness and fear, and many other conditions or sensations. By using “tener,” you can effectively communicate your current state or situation in contrast to others.
Tener with Comparisons
Tener can also be used to express comparisons between two or more things. In these cases, tener can be translated as “to have” or “to be” depending on the context.
When comparing two nouns, tenemos que is often used. For example:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Tenemos menos tiempo que ellos. | We have less time than them. |
| Tenemos más tareas que hacer. | We have more tasks to do. |
Tener can also be used in comparisons of inequality to express possession or ownership. For example:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Tengo más libros que tú. | I have more books than you. |
| Tienes menos dinero que ella. | You have less money than her. |
Additionally, tener can be used in comparisons to express physical conditions or states. For example:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Tengo más sueño que ayer. | I am sleepier than yesterday. |
| Tienes menos hambre que yo. | You are less hungry than me. |
By using tener in comparisons, you can easily express the relationship or difference between two or more things. Whether it’s expressing possession, inequality, or physical conditions, tener is a versatile verb that can help you communicate more effectively in Spanish.
Question-answer:
When do we use the verb “tener”?
The verb “tener” is used to express possession or to indicate a physical or mental state. It is often translated as “to have” in English.
Can you give me some examples of when to use “tener”?
Sure! Here are some examples: “Tengo un perro” (I have a dog), “Tienes hambre” (You’re hungry), “Él tiene sueño” (He’s sleepy).
Are there any idiomatic expressions that use “tener”?
Yes, there are several idiomatic expressions that use “tener.” For example, “tener miedo” means “to be afraid,” “tener prisa” means “to be in a hurry,” and “tener éxito” means “to be successful.”
Is “tener” an irregular verb?
Yes, “tener” is an irregular verb. It does not follow the regular conjugation patterns of -er verbs. The conjugation of “tener” in the present tense is: yo tengo, tú tienes, él/ella tiene, nosotros/nosotras tenemos, vosotros/vosotras tenéis, ellos/ellas tienen.
Can “tener” be used in the past tense?
Yes, “tener” can be used in the past tense. The past tense of “tener” is “tuve” for the singular and “tuvimos” for the plural. For example, “Tuve una fiesta anoche” (I had a party last night), “Tuvimos un buen tiempo” (We had a good time).
How do I know when to use “tener” in Spanish?
To know when to use “tener” in Spanish, you need to understand that it is used to express possession, age, and certain physical and emotional conditions. For possession, you can use “tener” to indicate that you have something. For example, “Tengo un coche” means “I have a car.” For age, “tener” is used to indicate how old someone is. For example, “Tengo veinte años” means “I am twenty years old.” Finally, “tener” can also be used to express physical and emotional conditions. For example, “Tengo hambre” means “I am hungry” and “Tengo sueño” means “I am sleepy.”
Is there any situation where “tener” is not used to express possession, age, or conditions?
Yes, there are some idiomatic expressions where “tener” is used in a different way. For example, “tener éxito” means “to be successful,” “tener prisa” means “to be in a hurry,” and “tener ganas” means “to feel like.” These expressions have specific meanings and should be learned as separate vocabulary items.
Are there any common mistakes people make when using “tener” in Spanish?
Yes, there are a few common mistakes people make when using “tener” in Spanish. One common mistake is forgetting to include the noun after “tener.” For example, instead of saying “Tengo hambre” (I am hungry), some people mistakenly say “Tengo.” Another common mistake is using “tener” instead of the verb “ser” when expressing age. For example, instead of saying “Tengo veinte años” (I am twenty years old), some people mistakenly say “Soy veinte años.” It’s important to pay attention to these details to use “tener” correctly.