ten
ten
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Ten, se te cayó la cartera.
A1Here, you dropped your wallet.
Ten cuidado al cruzar la calle.
A2Be careful when crossing the street.
Ten paciencia, por favor. Ya casi termino.
A2Have patience, please. I'm almost done.
Ten en cuenta que la tienda cierra a las ocho.
B1Keep in mind that the store closes at eight.
💡 Grammar Points
An Informal Command
'Ten' is a command you give to one person you know well, like a friend or family member (the 'tú' form). It's the 'bossy' form of the verb 'tener' (to have).
Where does 'ten' come from?
This is a special, short command form of the verb 'tener'. If you look at the verb chart, you'll see it under Imperative Affirmative for 'tú'. Notice how irregular it is!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'ten' formally
Mistake: "Speaking to a stranger or your boss and saying, 'Ten, su bolígrafo.'"
Correction: For someone you'd call 'usted', you should use 'tenga'. For example, 'Tenga, su bolígrafo.' It shows more respect.
Negative Commands
Mistake: "Telling a friend 'No ten miedo' to mean 'Don't be afraid'."
Correction: The negative command is different. You need to say 'No tengas miedo'. 'Ten' is only for positive (affirmative) commands.
⭐ Usage Tips
Handing Something Over
The most common use of 'ten' is like saying 'Here you go' as you hand an object to someone. You just say 'Ten' and hold out the item.
Commanding a State
You can also use 'ten' to command someone to be in a certain state, like in 'ten cuidado' (be careful) or 'ten paciencia' (be patient).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ten
Question 1 of 2
You are handing your friend a book they asked for. What is the most natural thing to say?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'ten' and 'toma'?
They are very similar and often interchangeable when handing something to someone. 'Ten' comes from 'tener' (to have), so it's like saying 'have this'. 'Toma' comes from 'tomar' (to take), so it's like saying 'take this'. Both are very common and informal.
Can I use 'ten' with my teacher?
It's better not to. 'Ten' is informal, for friends and family. With a teacher, you should use the formal command 'tenga' to show respect. For example, 'Tenga, aquí está mi tarea' (Here is my homework).