How to Say "to possess" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to possess” is “tener” — use 'tener' for the most general sense of having something, like owning an object or experiencing a feeling.
tener
teh-nehrteˈneɾ
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-TARdis.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.
poseer
poh-seh-EHRpo.seˈer
Examples
La familia posee varias propiedades en el campo.
The family owns several properties in the countryside.
Ella posee un talento natural para la música.
She possesses a natural talent for music.
Es indispensable poseer el pasaporte para viajar.
It is essential to have a passport in order to travel.
The Spelling 'Y' Switch
In the past and some other forms, when an 'i' is stuck between two vowels, it changes to a 'y'. That's why we say 'poseyó' instead of 'poseió'.
Poseer vs. Tener
Use 'tener' for everyday items like 'I have a dog'. Use 'poseer' for fancy, formal things like 'The billionaire owns three yachts' or when describing deep character traits.
Spelling the Past Tense
Mistake: “Él poseió una casa.”
Correction: Él poseyó una casa. (Remember: 'i' becomes 'y' between two vowels!)
tengan
TEN-gahnˈteŋ.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-NEERre.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.
ostentar
oh-sten-TAHRostenˈtaɾ
Examples
Ella ostenta el cargo de vicepresidenta desde el año pasado.
She has held the position of vice president since last year.
El atleta todavía ostenta el récord mundial de salto de longitud.
The athlete still holds the world record for the long jump.
Nadie más en la familia ha ostentado un título nobiliario.
No one else in the family has held a noble title.
Formal contexts only
You will mostly see this in the news or formal documents. In daily speech, people just use 'tener' (to have).
Using it for physical objects
Mistake: “Ostento un libro en mi mano.”
Correction: Sujeto un libro en mi mano.
revestir
rreh-behs-TEERreβesˈtiɾ
Examples
Este hallazgo reviste una importancia histórica sin precedentes.
This discovery possesses an unprecedented historical importance.
La situación reviste cierta gravedad.
The situation is of a certain gravity (it takes on a serious tone).
Sus palabras siempre revisten un tono de misterio.
His words always take on a tone of mystery.
Abstract Usage
When used for ideas, it replaces the word 'tener' (to have) to make the sentence sound much more professional and formal.
Don't use it for simple possession
Mistake: “Yo revisto un coche.”
Correction: Yo tengo un coche. Only use 'revestir' for qualities like 'importance' or 'seriousness,' not for physical things you own.
Tener vs. Poseer for simple ownership
Related Translations
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