How to Say "to possess" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to possess” is “tener” — use 'tener' when you mean to physically own or have something, like an object, a relationship, or a feeling..
tener
/teh-nehr//teˈneɾ/
Examples
Tengo un coche nuevo.
I have a new car.
¿Tienes hermanos?
Do you have siblings?
Ella tiene el pelo largo.
She has long hair.
The Irregular 'Yo' Form
In the 'now' tense (present), the 'yo' (I) form is special: 'tengo'. Remember this 'go' ending, as other important verbs do this too!
Stem-Changing Verb
Notice how the 'e' in 'tener' changes to 'ie' in some forms like 'tienes' and 'tiene'. But it stays as 'e' for 'nosotros' (tenemos)!
Using 'Haber' for Possession
Mistake: “Yo he un libro.”
Correction: Use 'tener' for owning things: 'Yo tengo un libro.' 'Haber' is mostly a helper verb, like in 'he comido' (I have eaten).
disfrutar
/dis-fru-TAR//dis.fɾuˈtaɾ/
Examples
El ciudadano puede disfrutar de todos sus derechos constitucionales.
The citizen is able to benefit from all their constitutional rights.
Ellos disfrutan de la propiedad de la casa hasta que la vendan.
They possess the use of the house until they sell it.
Formal Context
This meaning is typically found in documents, legal discussions, or formal news reports when discussing entitlements, rights, or the use of assets.
tengan
/TEN-gahn//ˈteŋ.ɡan/
Examples
Espero que todos ustedes tengan un feliz día.
I hope all of you have a happy day.
Dudo que ellos tengan la culpa, pero investigaremos.
I doubt that they are to blame (have the fault), but we will investigate.
No dejen que los niños tengan mucho miedo de la oscuridad.
Don't let the children be too afraid of the dark. (Literally: don't let them have too much fear)
The Special 'Wish' Form (Subjunctive)
The form 'tengan' is used when expressing desires, wishes, or emotions regarding what a group of people (ellos/ustedes) 'has' or 'experiences'. It’s used after verbs like 'esperar' (to hope) or 'querer' (to want).
Use After Impersonal Expressions
'Tengan' is required after expressions that signal importance or necessity, especially when the subject changes. For example: 'Es necesario que [ustedes] tengan los documentos.'
Subjunctive vs. Indicative
Mistake: “Using 'Espero que tienen' (I hope they have) instead of 'Espero que tengan'.”
Correction: Always use 'tengan' after an expression of hope, doubt, or command that targets a group ('ellos' or 'ustedes'). Spanish requires this 'special form' when certainty is absent.
reunir
rreh-oo-NEER/re.uˈniɾ/
Examples
El candidato no reúne los requisitos mínimos para el puesto.
The candidate does not meet the minimum requirements for the position.
Esta obra reúne belleza y complejidad técnica.
This work possesses beauty and technical complexity.
Formal Usage
In this formal sense, 'reunir' acts as a synonym for 'cumplir' (to fulfill) or 'poseer' (to possess) and is often used in negative statements about qualifications.
Tener vs. Disfrutar for Possession
Related Translations
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