How to Say "i have" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “i have” is “tengo” — use 'tengo' to express possession of objects, abstract concepts, or to indicate age..
tengo
/TEN-go//ˈten.ɡo/
Examples
Tengo un coche nuevo.
I have a new car.
Tengo una hermana y un hermano.
I have a sister and a brother.
Tengo una pregunta.
I have a question.
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.
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.
he
/e//e/
Examples
He terminado mi tarea.
I have finished my homework.
Nunca he visitado España.
I have never visited Spain.
¿He dicho algo malo?
Have I said something wrong?
Your Helper Verb for Past Actions
'He' is a helper verb. It almost always comes before another verb that has an '-ado' or '-ido' ending, like 'hablado' (spoken) or 'comido' (eaten).
Don't Separate Them!
In Spanish, you can't put other words between 'he' and the main verb. For example, to say 'I have never seen', it's 'Nunca he visto', not 'He nunca visto'.
Mixing up 'he' and 'tengo'
Mistake: “Using 'tengo' to talk about actions. For example, 'Tengo comido'.”
Correction: Use 'he' for actions ('He comido' - I have eaten) and 'tengo' for things you possess ('Tengo comida' - I have food).
llevo
/YEH-voh//ˈʎeβo/
Examples
Hoy llevo una camiseta verde y vaqueros.
Today I'm wearing a green t-shirt and jeans.
No llevo reloj, ¿qué hora es?
I'm not wearing a watch, what time is it?
Llevo el pelo corto desde el verano.
I've had short hair since the summer.
Simple Present for 'Right Now'
In English, you say 'I am wearing'. In Spanish, you can just use the simple present: 'Llevo una chaqueta' works perfectly for what you have on at this moment.
Confusing with 'Ponerse'
Mistake: “Me llevo una chaqueta para salir.”
Correction: Use 'Me pongo una chaqueta' for the action of *putting on* the jacket. 'Llevo una chaqueta' describes the state of *already wearing* it.
tomo
TOH-moh/ˈto.mo/
Examples
Tomo el autobús para ir a la escuela.
I take the bus to go to school.
Todos los días tomo un café con leche.
Every day I drink a coffee with milk.
Tomo nota de todo lo que dices.
I take note of everything you say.
Using 'Tomar' for Drinks
In Spain, 'tomar' is very common for drinking coffee, tea, or alcohol. In many parts of Latin America, 'beber' (to drink) is more frequently used for liquids.
Taking a Decision
When talking about making a decision, Spanish speakers use 'tomar una decisión' (I take a decision), not 'hacer una decisión' (I make a decision).
Confusing 'Tomar' and 'Llevar'
Mistake: “Llevo el autobús a casa. (I carry the bus home.)”
Correction: Tomo el autobús a casa. ('Tomar' is for using transport; 'llevar' is for carrying or taking a person/thing somewhere.)
Tengo vs. He
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