tenerte
“tenerte” means “to have you” in Spanish (possession or obligation).
to have you, to hold you
Also: to keep you
📝 In Action
Quiero tenerte cerca de mí siempre.
A2I want to have you close to me always.
Es hermoso poder tenerte en mis brazos.
B1It's beautiful to be able to hold you in my arms.
No podemos permitirnos perderte, necesitamos tenerte aquí.
B2We can't afford to lose you, we need to keep you here.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tenerte
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'tenerte'?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
This word is a combination of the verb 'tener' (to have/hold), which comes from the Latin *tenēre* (meaning 'to hold' or 'to keep'), and the object pronoun 'te' (you), which comes from the Latin *tē*.
First recorded: Old Spanish (as part of the verb 'tener')
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'tenerte' one word instead of two?
In Spanish, when you use a verb in its base form (the infinitive, like 'tener') or the '-ing' form (the gerund), the small words that act as the direct or indirect receiver of the action must be glued directly onto the end of the verb.
Does 'tenerte' change depending on who is speaking?
No. 'Tenerte' is the base form of the action plus the pronoun. It is the verb that comes before it that changes depending on who is speaking (e.g., 'Yo quiero tenerte' vs. 'Ella quiere tenerte').