tengan
“tengan” means “may have” in Spanish (expressing desire or doubt).
may have, are to haveAlso: to possess, to be
📝 In Action
Espero que todos ustedes tengan un feliz día.
A2I hope all of you have a happy day.
Dudo que ellos tengan la culpa, pero investigaremos.
B1I doubt that they are to blame (have the fault), but we will investigate.
No dejen que los niños tengan mucho miedo de la oscuridad.
B1Don't let the children be too afraid of the dark. (Literally: don't let them have too much fear)
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "tengan" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tengan
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses the subjunctive form 'tengan' to express a wish?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology
Comes directly from the Latin verb *tenēre*, meaning 'to hold' or 'to grasp.' This core meaning evolved in Spanish to mean 'to possess' and also 'to experience' conditions (like hunger or cold).
First recorded: Pre-dates the formation of Spanish, deriving from common Iberian Romance languages.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use 'tengan' instead of 'tienen'?
You use 'tengan' (the subjunctive form) when the sentence expresses a wish, doubt, command, emotion, or necessity regarding what a group of people ('ustedes' or 'ellos') has. You use 'tienen' (the simple present form) when you are stating a definite fact about what they currently possess or are experiencing.
Is 'tengan' always used for plural groups?
Yes. 'Tengan' is the verb form for the third person plural ('ellos,' 'ellas,' or 'ustedes'). It addresses or refers to multiple people.