7.3.1

How to Use 'Tener'

Test yourself

'Tener'

'Tener' means 'to have' in Spanish. This verb is irregular: the first person is irregular and it is also an stem changing verb (i>ie).

Uses of 'Tener'

As well as being the verb 'to have', 'tener' has a lot of other uses in Spanish.

Illustrative background for AgeIllustrative background for Age ?? "content

Age

  • In Spanish, rather than say 'I am 15 years old', you say 'I have 15 years.
    • ¿Cuántos años tienes? (How old are you?).
    • Tengo quince años. (I am 15).
Illustrative background for Hungry or thirstyIllustrative background for Hungry or thirsty ?? "content

Hungry or thirsty

  • Similarly to age, in Spanish instead of saying 'I am hungry' you would say 'I have hunger'.
    • Flora tiene hambre. (Flora is hungry).
    • Tengo sed. (I am thirsty).
Illustrative background for To have toIllustrative background for To have to ?? "content

To have to

  • In Spanish you use 'tener' + 'que' as a way to say 'something is necessary'.
    • Tengo que cerrar la ventana
      • I have to close the window.
  • 'Tener que' is always followed by an infinitive.

Jump to other topics

1The Basics

2Current & Future Study & Employment

3Identity & Culture

3.1Me, My Family & Friends

3.2Me, My Family & Friends - Translations

3.3Technology in Everyday Life

3.4Technology in Everyday Life - Translations

3.5Free Time Activities

3.6Free Time Activities - Translations

3.7Customs & Festivals in Spanish Speaking Countries

3.8Customs & Festivals - Translations

4Areas of Interest

4.1Home, Town, Neighbourhood & Region

4.2Home, Town, Neighbourhood & Region - Translations

4.3Social Issues

4.4Social Issues - Translations

4.5Global Issues

4.6Global Issues - Translations

4.7Travel & Tourism

4.8Travel & Tourism - Translations

5Listening Practice

6Common Tenses

7Important Verbs

8Advanced Tenses

9Extra Grammar

9.1Articles

9.2Negatives

9.3Nouns

9.4Asking Questions

9.5Adjectives

9.6Adverbs

9.7Conjunctions

9.8Pronouns

9.9By, With, From, Of

9.10Verbs

9.11Comparisons

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson