tengo
“tengo” means “I have” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
I have
Also: I've got, I possess
📝 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.
I am
📝 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.
I have to
Also: I must
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
🗣️ Practice in a Tongue Twister
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tengo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly says 'I am 25 years old' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word 'teneō', which means 'I hold, I keep, I have'. The 'g' in 'tengo' is a later Spanish development that appeared in several common verbs.
First recorded: Before the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.