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Uses of 'Tener'

Possession

Possession

  • You can use 'tener' to show that someone owns or has something in Spanish.
  • Tengo tres hermanas.
    • I have three sisters.
  • Ellos tienen un coche rojo.
    • They have a red car.
Age

Age

  • In Spanish, you do not say 'I am 10 years old', you say 'I have 10 years'.
  • ¿Cuántos años tienes?
    • How old are you?
  • Tengo once años.
    • I am 11 years old.
Hungry or thirsty

Hungry or thirsty

  • In Spanish, you don’t say ‘I am hungry’ or ‘I’m thirsty’.
  • In Spanish you say ‘I have hunger’ or ‘I have thirst’.
  • Flora tiene hambre.
    • Flora is hungry.
  • Tengo sed.
    • I am thirsty.
Obligation

Obligation

  • You can use 'tener' and an infinitive to express obligation.
  • Tengo que estudiar mucho.
    • I have to study a lot.
Jump to other topics
1

You, Family & Home

2

School & Jobs

3

Free Time

4

Grammar

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