Confusing Preterite and Imperfect

The past simple form (Preterite) of 'tener' is highly irregular. It uses the stem 'tuv-' for all conjugations, which is very different from the base form 'ten-'.

Irregular Preterite Stem

In Spanish, the preterite form 'tuvimos' often implies 'we received' or 'we got' rather than just continuous 'having.' For instance, 'tuvimos un susto' means 'we got a fright.'

Use for Sudden Events

Extremely common. This is the simple past ('we had') form of the essential Spanish verb 'tener' (to have).

Unlike English, which uses 'to be' (we are cold), Spanish uses 'tener' (we have cold) for certain physical states like hunger, thirst, heat, and cold.

Tener vs. Ser/Estar for Feelings

Very common, used to describe completed feelings, sensations, or experiences.

This phrase means 'to have to' or 'must.' Always follow 'tener que' with the base form of another verb (the infinitive) to explain what the obligation was: Tuvimos que [verb].

The 'Tener Que' Structure

Extremely common way to express past obligation.

Learn the meaning of the Spanish verb 'tuvimos' ('we had'), including its uses for possession, past experiences, and obligation ('we had to'). Detailed conjugation table for the irregular verb 'tener' included.

tuvimos

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations