Using 'Tengo' for Feelings

'Tengo' is the 'I' form of the verb 'tener' (to have). Notice the special 'g' that appears only in this form. It's an irregular verb, so its forms don't always follow the standard pattern.

The Special 'Yo' Form

You can use 'tengo' for more than just physical objects. It's also used for relationships ('tengo amigos'), characteristics ('tengo pelo rubio'), and abstract concepts ('tengo una duda').

More Than Just Things

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll learn and use daily.

Mistake with Age

This is a key difference from English! For age and many physical feelings like hunger, thirst, or being hot/cold, Spanish says you 'have' the feeling. For example, 'Tengo hambre' literally means 'I have hunger'.

Using 'Tener' instead of 'To Be'

It's easiest to learn these as complete phrases: 'tengo hambre' (I'm hungry), 'tengo sed' (I'm thirsty), 'tengo sueño' (I'm sleepy), 'tengo miedo' (I'm scared). Don't try to translate them word-for-word from English.

Memorize the Set Phrases

Essential for everyday conversation about how you feel physically.

Forgetting 'que'

To say you have to do something, use this simple formula: 'tengo que' + the basic, unchanged form of a verb (like 'hablar', 'comer', or 'vivir').

The Formula for Obligation

'Tengo que' is very common for everyday obligations (I have to buy milk). 'Debo' can sound a bit stronger or more formal, like a moral duty (I must tell the truth).

'Tengo que' vs. 'Debo'

Extremely common for talking about duties, chores, and necessities.

Learn the complete meaning of 'tengo' in Spanish. Understand its use for possession ('I have'), physical states ('I am hungry'), age, and obligation ('I have to'). Includes full 'tener' conjugation charts, examples, and common mistakes.

tengo

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations