7.3.1

How to Use 'Tener'

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'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).
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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).
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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.

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3Identity & Culture

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3.2Me, Family & Friends - Translations (Foundation)

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3.5Tech in Everyday Life - Translations (Foundation)

3.6Tech in Everyday Life - Translations (Higher)

3.7Free Time Activities

3.8Free Time Activities - Translations (Foundation)

3.9Free Time Activities - Translations (Higher)

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3.12Customs & Festivals - Translations (Higher)

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4.2Home & Region - Translations (Foundation)

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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

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