tenemos
/teh-NEH-mohs/
we have
'Tenemos' shows that 'we' possess something. Here, this group of friends can say 'tenemos un perrito' (we have a puppy).
📝 In Action
Tenemos una casa con un jardín grande.
A1We have a house with a big garden.
No tenemos coche, preferimos caminar.
A1We don't have a car, we prefer to walk.
Tenemos dos hijos y un perro.
A1We have two children and a dog.
💡 Grammar Points
Who is 'Tenemos' for?
'Tenemos' is the form of the verb 'tener' (to have) used specifically for 'we' ('nosotros' for a group of males or a mixed group, and 'nosotras' for a group of all females).
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Tenemos' vs. 'Hemos'
Mistake: "Using 'tenemos' to say things like 'we have eaten'. For example: 'Tenemos comido'."
Correction: Use 'hemos comido'. 'Tenemos' is for having things (possession), while 'hemos' (from the verb 'haber') is a helper word used to form tenses that talk about what 'we have done'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Beyond Just Things
You can also use 'tenemos' to talk about relationships. For example, 'Tenemos muchos amigos' (We have many friends) or 'Tenemos una reunión' (We have a meeting).
When you see 'tenemos que' followed by an action, it means 'we have to' do that action, like these students who have to study.
📝 In Action
Tenemos que irnos ahora o perderemos el tren.
A1We have to leave now or we will miss the train.
Mañana tenemos que levantarnos temprano.
A2Tomorrow we have to get up early.
Tenemos que hablar sobre el plan.
B1We have to talk about the plan.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Have To' Formula
To say 'we have to do' something, the formula is always the same: 'tenemos que' + the basic, unchanged form of the action verb (like 'comer', 'hablar', 'escribir').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't Forget 'que'!
Mistake: "Saying 'Tenemos ir a la tienda.'"
Correction: Always include 'que' after 'tenemos' when you mean 'have to'. The correct way is 'Tenemos que ir a la tienda.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Necessity
This is your go-to phrase for everyday obligations, from chores ('Tenemos que limpiar la casa') to important appointments ('Tenemos que ir al médico').
In Spanish, you don't 'are' cold, you 'have' cold. These people would say '¡Tenemos frío!' to mean 'We are cold!'
📝 In Action
Tenemos mucha sed después de correr.
A1We are very thirsty after running.
Son las 11 de la noche y tenemos sueño.
A1It's 11 at night and we are sleepy.
Tenemos miedo de las arañas.
A2We are afraid of spiders.
Creemos que tenemos razón en este asunto.
B1We believe that we are right in this matter.
💡 Grammar Points
'Having' Feelings
In Spanish, many common feelings and physical states are things you 'have' ('tener'), not things you 'are' ('ser' or 'estar'). This is a key difference from English you'll need to remember.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Estamos' for Feelings
Mistake: "A common mistake for English speakers is saying 'Estamos hambre' or 'Somos fríos'."
Correction: Always use 'tener' for these specific states. The correct phrases are 'Tenemos hambre' and 'Tenemos frío'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Memorize the Pairs
It's helpful to learn these as complete phrases: 'tener hambre' (to be hungry), 'tener sed' (to be thirsty), 'tener sueño' (to be sleepy), 'tener miedo' (to be scared), 'tener prisa' (to be in a hurry).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tenemos
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly says 'We are hungry' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'tenemos' used for so many different things like possession, feelings, and obligation?
Think of the core idea of 'tener' as 'to hold' or 'to possess'. You can 'hold' a book (possession), you can 'hold' a responsibility (obligation with 'que'), and you can 'hold' a feeling like hunger or cold. It's a very flexible verb that extends this core idea to many situations.
What's the difference between 'tenemos' and 'hemos'?
'Tenemos' means 'we have' in the sense of possessing something ('Tenemos un coche' - We have a car). 'Hemos' is a helper verb from 'haber' used to talk about things 'we have done' ('Hemos comido' - We have eaten). So, 'tenemos' is for things, and 'hemos' is for actions.
Do I always need to say 'nosotros tenemos'?
No, you usually don't need to! The '-emos' ending on 'tenemos' already tells the listener that you mean 'we'. You can just say 'Tenemos hambre'. You would only add 'nosotros' for emphasis or to be extra clear, like 'Ellos tienen frío, pero nosotros tenemos calor' (They are cold, but we are hot).