tenés
teh-NESS
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
¿Tenés un minuto para hablar?
A2Do you have a minute to talk?
Tenés que ir al supermercado ahora.
B1You have to go to the supermarket now.
¡Tenés mucha suerte!
A2You have a lot of luck!
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Vos' Form
This word is a special conjugation for the pronoun 'vos,' which is used instead of 'tú' (you, informal) in many parts of Latin America, particularly the Southern Cone.
Stress is Key
The 'vos' forms of -er and -ir verbs usually have the stress on the last syllable, which is why you pronounce it 'te-NÉS,' unlike the standard 'tú' form 'TIEnes'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Pronouns
Mistake: "Vos tienes"
Correction: Vos tenés. You must use the 'vos' conjugation with the 'vos' pronoun. Never mix 'vos' with the 'tú' verb form ('tienes').
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding Local
If you are traveling to Argentina or Uruguay, using 'vos' and 'tenés' is essential for sounding natural and local in informal conversations.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
preterite
present
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tenés
Question 1 of 2
In which country would 'tenés' be the most common way to ask a close friend if they have a car?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'tenés' formal or informal?
'Tenés' is always informal. It is used when speaking to friends, family, children, or peers in regions where the 'vos' pronoun is standard (like Argentina). You would use 'tiene' (with 'usted') for formal situations.
If I am learning Spanish, do I need to learn 'tenés'?
If you plan to visit or communicate with people from the Southern Cone (Argentina, Uruguay) or Central America, absolutely! It is essential for daily conversation there. If you are focusing on Mexican or European Spanish, you can safely stick to 'tienes'.