'Tendría' is a special form of the verb 'tener' (to have) used for talking about hypothetical or imaginary situations. Think of it as the Spanish way of saying 'would have'.

The 'Would' Form (Conditional)

Use 'tendría' when you're dreaming, imagining, or talking about what could be different under other circumstances. It's perfect for 'what if' sentences.

For 'What If' Scenarios

Extremely common. One of the most important verb forms to know.

Forgetting 'que'

When you add 'que' after 'tendría' and follow it with an action (like 'estudiar', 'hablar', etc.), it creates the meaning 'would have to do something'. It's a fixed recipe: tendría + que + action.

The 'Tendría que' Formula

Using 'tendría que' is a much softer and more polite way to give advice than saying 'tienes que' (you have to). It sounds less like a command and more like a helpful suggestion.

Polite Suggestions

An extremely common and polite way to give advice or state a necessity.

Confusing with 'Tenía'

Even though 'tendría' looks like it's about the future ('would'), Spanish speakers cleverly use it to make guesses about things that already happened. It adds a feeling of uncertainty or estimation.

A Surprising Use: Guessing About the Past

When you're telling a story and don't remember an exact detail like the time or someone's age, use 'tendría'. It's a natural way to say 'it was probably...' or 'he must have been...' without breaking your flow.

Sound More Natural When Unsure

Common in conversation for making guesses about past situations.

Learn the complete meaning of 'tendría' in Spanish. Understand its three main uses: 'would have' (hypothetical), 'should/would have to' (advice), and 'must have been' (speculation). Includes full conjugation charts for 'tener', examples, and quizzes.

tendría

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations