tendrías
/ten-DREE-as/
you would have
When you use 'tendrías' to mean 'you would have,' it refers to something you might possess under certain hypothetical conditions.
tendrías(verb)
you would have
?hypothetical possession
you would need
?hypothetical requirement
📝 In Action
Si fueras a Madrid, tendrías un coche para moverte.
A2If you went to Madrid, you would have a car to get around.
Para ese trabajo, tendrías que hablar tres idiomas.
B1For that job, you would need to speak three languages.
💡 Grammar Points
The Conditional Tense
The ending '-ías' shows that this is an action that 'would' happen, but only if a certain condition is met (often introduced by 'si' or 'if').
Irregular Stem
The base verb is 'tener' (to have), but in the conditional, it changes its stem to 'tendr-' before adding the ending. This makes it irregular.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Conditional and Future
Mistake: "Using 'tendrás' (you will have) when meaning 'you would have' (tendrías)."
Correction: Use 'tendrías' for hypothetical situations and polite suggestions; reserve 'tendrás' for definite future plans.
⭐ Usage Tips
Hypothetical Situations
Use 'tendrías' when talking about what someone would possess or experience in an imaginary or unlikely situation: 'Si yo fuera rico, tendrías un jet privado' (If I were rich, you would have a private jet).
When 'tendrías' means 'you should have,' it is often used to give advice or a recommendation about necessary possessions.
tendrías(verb)
you should have
?advice/recommendation (similar to 'deberías')
you ought to have
?moral or practical obligation
📝 In Action
Tendrías que llamarla para disculparte.
B1You should call her to apologize.
¿No tendrías un poco de dinero para prestarme?
B2You wouldn't happen to have a little money to lend me?
💡 Grammar Points
Polite Requests
Using 'tendrías' softens a request, making it much more polite than demanding 'tienes que' (you have to). It shows courtesy.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Overusing 'Tener que'
Mistake: "Saying 'Tienes que estudiar' (You have to study) when giving friendly advice."
Correction: Use 'Tendrías que estudiar' (You should study) to sound less commanding and more like a helpful suggestion.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking for Favors
When asking someone for help or a favor, using the conditional ('tendrías') is a very common way to be indirect and respectful, especially with strangers.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tendrías
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'tendrías' to give polite advice?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'tendrías' irregular?
It's irregular because the base of the word changes from 'ten-' to 'tendr-' before adding the conditional ending. You can't just say 'tenerías'; you have to use the special, shortened 'tendr' stem.
Can I use 'tendrías' instead of 'deberías' (you should)?
Yes, absolutely! 'Tendrías que' (you would have to/should) is a very common and often slightly softer way to give advice than 'deberías' (you ought to/must).