Inklingo

How to Say "they are" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “they are” is “están” — use 'están' to describe where 'they' are located or to express a temporary condition or feeling they are experiencing..

English → Spanish

están

VerbA1General
Use 'están' to describe where 'they' are located or to express a temporary condition or feeling they are experiencing.

Examples

Mis amigos están en el cine.

My friends are at the movie theater.

están

VerbA1General
Use 'están' to describe a temporary condition or feeling they are experiencing, like being tired or happy.

Examples

Los niños están cansados después del partido.

The children are tired after the game.

tienen

/tyeh-nen//ˈtje.nen/

VerbA1General
Use 'tienen' to express age or sensations like hunger, thirst, or cold.
Three cartoon figures of slightly varying heights standing together under a rising sun symbolizing the years they possess.

Examples

Mis hermanos tienen veinte y veintidós años.

My brothers are twenty and twenty-two years old.

Los gemelos tienen la misma edad.

The twins are the same age.

Los niños tienen hambre.

The children are hungry.

Si tienen frío, pueden cerrar la ventana.

If you (all) are cold, you can close the window.

Using 'Ser' for Age

Mistake: “Ellos son 30 años.”

Correction: A classic mistake for English speakers! In Spanish, you 'have' years, you don't 'are' them. Always use 'tener' for age: 'Ellos tienen 30 años.'

Using 'Estar' for Sensations

Mistake: “Ellos están hambre.”

Correction: For common feelings like hunger, thirst, fear, or being hot/cold, Spanish uses 'tener'. Think of it like 'they have hunger'. The correct way is 'Ellos tienen hambre.'

tienen

/tyeh-nen//ˈtje.nen/

VerbA1General
Use 'tienen' to express sensations such as hunger, thirst, or cold that 'they' are experiencing.
Three cartoon figures of slightly varying heights standing together under a rising sun symbolizing the years they possess.

Examples

Los niños tienen hambre.

The children are hungry.

Mis hermanos tienen veinte y veintidós años.

My brothers are twenty and twenty-two years old.

Los gemelos tienen la misma edad.

The twins are the same age.

Si tienen frío, pueden cerrar la ventana.

If you (all) are cold, you can close the window.

Using 'Ser' for Age

Mistake: “Ellos son 30 años.”

Correction: A classic mistake for English speakers! In Spanish, you 'have' years, you don't 'are' them. Always use 'tener' for age: 'Ellos tienen 30 años.'

Using 'Estar' for Sensations

Mistake: “Ellos están hambre.”

Correction: For common feelings like hunger, thirst, fear, or being hot/cold, Spanish uses 'tener'. Think of it like 'they have hunger'. The correct way is 'Ellos tienen hambre.'

Están vs. Tienen for 'they are'

Learners often confuse 'están' and 'tienen' when expressing states. Remember that 'están' is for location and temporary feelings/conditions, while 'tienen' is used for age and physical sensations like hunger or cold.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.