tener
/teh-nehr/
to have
Just like in English, tener is used to say you possess something, like holding this book.
📝 In Action
Tengo un coche nuevo.
A1I have a new car.
¿Tienes hermanos?
A1Do you have siblings?
Ella tiene el pelo largo.
A1She has long hair.
💡 Grammar Points
The Irregular 'Yo' Form
In the 'now' tense (present), the 'yo' (I) form is special: 'tengo'. Remember this 'go' ending, as other important verbs do this too!
Stem-Changing Verb
Notice how the 'e' in 'tener' changes to 'ie' in some forms like 'tienes' and 'tiene'. But it stays as 'e' for 'nosotros' (tenemos)!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Haber' for Possession
Mistake: "Yo he un libro."
Correction: Use 'tener' for owning things: 'Yo tengo un libro.' 'Haber' is mostly a helper verb, like in 'he comido' (I have eaten).
In Spanish, you 'have' years instead of 'being' a certain age. This child 'tiene cinco años' (has five years).
📝 In Action
¿Cuántos años tienes?
A1How old are you?
Mi abuela tiene noventa años.
A1My grandmother is ninety years old.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Ser' or 'Estar' for Age
Mistake: "Yo soy veinte años."
Correction: Always use 'tener' for age in Spanish: 'Yo tengo veinte años.' You literally 'have' your years.
For feelings like being cold, hot, or hungry, you 'have' the feeling in Spanish. This person 'tiene frío' (has cold).
📝 In Action
Tengo hambre. ¿Comemos algo?
A1I'm hungry. Shall we eat something?
Los niños tienen sueño.
A1The children are sleepy.
Si tienes calor, abre la ventana.
A1If you're hot, open the window.
Ella tiene miedo de las arañas.
A2She is afraid of spiders.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Estar' for Feelings
Mistake: "Estoy hambre."
Correction: For these specific expressions, you must use 'tener'. 'Tengo hambre' means you 'have hunger'. 'Estar' is for other feelings like 'estoy feliz' (I am happy).
⭐ Usage Tips
Memorize the Pairs
Think of these as vocabulary pairs to memorize: 'tener' + 'hambre', 'tener' + 'sed', etc. Don't try to translate them word-for-word from English.
When you pair tener with que and another action, it means you 'have to' do that action.
📝 In Action
Tengo que estudiar para el examen.
A2I have to study for the exam.
Tenemos que irnos ahora.
A2We have to leave now.
Mañana tienes que levantarte temprano.
A2Tomorrow you have to get up early.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Tener que' Formula
This is a fixed recipe: the correct form of 'tener' + the word 'que' + the basic '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' form of a verb. For example, 'Tenemos que comer' (We have to eat).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'que'
Mistake: "Tengo estudiar."
Correction: Don't forget the little word 'que' in the middle! It's the essential bridge: 'Tengo que estudiar.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tener
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences is INCORRECT in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'tener' and 'haber'?
'Tener' is mainly for possession ('I have a car' -> 'Tengo un coche'). 'Haber' is a helper verb for more complex tenses ('I have eaten' -> 'He comido') and is also used as 'hay' to say 'there is' or 'there are'.
Why do you say 'tengo frío' instead of 'estoy frío'?
It's a fixed expression in Spanish. Think of it as 'having the feeling of cold'. If you say 'estoy frío', it means your body is cold to the touch, like a robot or a glass of water, not that you feel cold.
Is 'tener' always irregular?
Yes, it's one of the most common irregular verbs! Its forms change in almost every tense, so it's a great one to memorize early on. The patterns you learn from 'tener' will help you with many other verbs like 'mantener' and 'contener'.