TENER

One of the Most Useful Verbs in Spanish

The verb TENER literally means “to have,” but in Spanish it goes far beyond simple possession. It is used in many idiomatic expressions that English learners often find surprising.

Core Meaning

TENER → to have, to possess

Tengo un coche.

I have a car.

Ella tiene dos hermanos.

She has two brothers.

⚠️ Important Note for English Speakers

English often uses "to be" for expressions of age, hunger, or feelings, but Spanish uses TENER. Do not translate word by word!

"I am hungry" → Tengo hambre

(Never say "Soy hambre" or "Estoy hambre")

Common Uses of TENER

1. Possession

Tengo un libro.

I have a book.
Tienes dinero.

You have money.

2. Age

Tengo 20 años.

I am 20 years old.
¿Cuántos años tienes?

How old are you?

3. Obligations (tener que)

Tengo que estudiar.

I have to study.
Tenemos que trabajar.

We must work.

4. Physical States

Tengo hambre / sed.

I am hungry / thirsty.
Tengo frío / calor.

I am cold / hot.

5. Feelings & Emotions

Tengo miedo.

I am afraid.
Tengo prisa / sueño.

I am in a hurry / sleepy.

6. Idiomatic Expressions

Tener razón → To be right
Tener éxito → To be successful
Tener cuidado → To be careful
Tener suerte → To be lucky
Tener ganas de... → To feel like...

Commands with TENER

Positive Commands

¡Ten cuidado! Be careful.
¡Ten paciencia! Be patient.

Negative Commands

¡No tengas miedo! Don't be afraid.
¡No tengas prisa! Don't be in a hurry.

Tenses with TENER

TENER is highly irregular in many forms.

Present

tengo, tienes, tiene, tenemos, tenéis, tienen

Preterite (Past)

tuve, tuviste, tuvo, tuvimos, tuvisteis, tuvieron

→ Tuve una idea. (I had an idea.)

Future

tendré, tendrás, tendrá, tendremos, tendréis, tendrán

→ Tendrás éxito. (You will be successful.)

Subjunctive Mood (Subjuntivo)

Present Subjunctive Conjugation

tenga, tengas, tenga, tengamos, tengáis, tengan

Espero que tengas suerte.

I hope you are lucky.

Espero que tengas razón.

I hope you are right.

No creo que tenga suerte.

I don't think he/she is lucky.

Quick Summary Rule

TENER = To have

(But remember, it replaces "to be" in many idiomatic expressions regarding age, physical states, and feelings!)