Mixing up 'tienes' and 'tiene'

'Tienes' is the form you use when talking to one person you know well, like a friend, a family member, or a child. It's the informal 'you'.

Who are you talking to? 'tú' vs 'usted'

The verb 'tener' is irregular, meaning it doesn't follow the normal patterns. Notice how the 'e' in 'tener' changes to 'ie' for 'tienes'.

An Irregular Verb

When speaking with people your own age in a casual setting, using 'tienes' is usually the safe and friendly choice.

Default to 'tienes' with peers

Extremely common. This is one of the very first and most important verbs you will learn in Spanish.

Using 'ser' or 'estar' for age

This is a big difference from English! Instead of using the verb 'to be' (ser/estar), Spanish always uses 'tener' to talk about how old someone is.

Key Difference: 'Tener' for Age

Essential for basic introductions and personal questions. Used every day.

Using 'estar' for feelings

Just like with age, Spanish uses 'tener' for many common physical feelings. Think of it as 'having' a sensation rather than 'being' it.

Expressing Feelings with 'Tener'

It's very helpful to memorize the common 'tener + noun' phrases (tener hambre, sed, frío, etc.) as single vocabulary items.

Memorize the list

Crucial for expressing basic needs and physical states.

Forgetting the 'que'

To say someone has to do something, use the formula: (form of tener) + 'que' + (the action verb in its base form). For example, 'tienes que correr'.

The 'tener que' formula

'Tener que' often implies a stronger, more external obligation (like a rule), while 'deber' can feel more like a moral duty or strong suggestion ('you should').

'Tener que' vs. 'Deber'

A fundamental structure for talking about obligations and necessities.

Learn the complete meaning of 'tienes' in Spanish. Understand its use for possession ('you have'), age ('you are... years old'), feelings ('you are hungry'), and obligation ('you have to'). Includes full verb conjugation tables, examples, and common mistakes.

tienes

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations