tengo
/TEN-go/
Just like holding an apple, 'tengo' is used to talk about things you have or possess.
tengo (Verb)
📝 In Action
Tengo un coche nuevo.
A1I have a new car.
Tengo una hermana y un hermano.
A1I have a sister and a brother.
Tengo una pregunta.
A1I have a question.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
💡 Grammar Points
The Special 'Yo' Form
'Tengo' is the 'I' form of the verb 'tener' (to have). Notice the special 'g' that appears only in this form. It's an irregular verb, so its forms don't always follow the standard pattern.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Tengo' for Feelings
Mistake: "Tengo feliz."
Correction: Estoy feliz. In Spanish, use the verb 'estar' for temporary feelings or moods, and 'tener' for things you possess.
⭐ Usage Tips
More Than Just Things
You can use 'tengo' for more than just physical objects. It's also used for relationships ('tengo amigos'), characteristics ('tengo pelo rubio'), and abstract concepts ('tengo una duda').
In Spanish, you don't 'are' cold, you 'have' cold. This person 'tiene frío'. 'Tengo' is used for many physical states.
tengo (Verb)
📝 In Action
Tengo treinta años.
A1I am thirty years old.
Tengo mucha hambre.
A1I am very hungry.
Tengo frío, ¿puedes cerrar la ventana?
A1I am cold, can you close the window?
Tengo miedo de la oscuridad.
A2I am afraid of the dark.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Tener' instead of 'To Be'
This is a key difference from English! For age and many physical feelings like hunger, thirst, or being hot/cold, Spanish says you 'have' the feeling. For example, 'Tengo hambre' literally means 'I have hunger'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mistake with Age
Mistake: "Soy treinta años."
Correction: Tengo treinta años. Always use 'tener' to talk about how old you are. Think of it as counting the years you 'have'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Memorize the Set Phrases
It's easiest to learn these as complete phrases: 'tengo hambre' (I'm hungry), 'tengo sed' (I'm thirsty), 'tengo sueño' (I'm sleepy), 'tengo miedo' (I'm scared). Don't try to translate them word-for-word from English.
The phrase 'tengo que' plus an action means 'I have to do it', like checking items off a list.
tengo (Verb)
📝 In Action
Tengo que estudiar para el examen.
A2I have to study for the exam.
Tengo que ir al supermercado.
A2I have to go to the supermarket.
Lo siento, tengo que irme ahora.
A2I'm sorry, I have to leave now.
💡 Grammar Points
The Formula for Obligation
To say you have to do something, use this simple formula: 'tengo que' + the basic, unchanged form of a verb (like 'hablar', 'comer', or 'vivir').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'que'
Mistake: "Tengo estudiar más."
Correction: Tengo que estudiar más. Don't forget the little word 'que'! It's the bridge that connects 'tengo' to the action you have to do.
⭐ Usage Tips
'Tengo que' vs. 'Debo'
'Tengo que' is very common for everyday obligations (I have to buy milk). 'Debo' can sound a bit stronger or more formal, like a moral duty (I must tell the truth).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tengo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly says 'I am 25 years old' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you say 'tengo años' for age instead of 'soy' or 'estoy'?
It's a great question because it's a big difference from English! Think of it this way: in Spanish, your age is seen as something you accumulate and 'have' over time. Each year is another one you possess. While English uses the verb 'to be' for age, Spanish and many other languages use 'to have'. It's best to memorize it as a set rule: for age, always use 'tener'.
What's the difference between 'tengo que' and 'debo'?
'Tengo que' is the most common way to say 'I have to' and is used for everyday obligations, like 'Tengo que comprar pan' (I have to buy bread). 'Debo' means 'I must' or 'I should' and often implies a stronger moral duty or a more formal obligation, like 'Debo ser honesto' (I must be honest). For daily tasks, 'tengo que' is usually your best bet.