¿Tienes novio?
The phrase "do you have a boyfriend?" in Spanish is ¿Tienes novio?
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase ¿Tienes novio?, the word Tienes is the second-person singular conjugation of the verb tener, which means "you have".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, the phrase ¿Tienes pololo? is predominantly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing someone using the formal usted register, you should use the form ¿Tiene novio? instead of ¿Tienes novio?
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often incorrectly include the indefinite article un (a) in this question. Instead of saying ¿Tienes un novio?, it is more natural in Spanish to omit it when asking about the existence of a partner.
When do people say it?
If someone is asked this question, a standard affirmative response is Sí, tengo novio and a standard negative response is No, no tengo novio.
Did you know?
- Because novio comes from the Latin *novius*, it shares a common ancestor with the English word 'new'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, novio can refer to both a steady boyfriend and a fiancé, depending on the context of the relationship.
- In some regions, if a relationship is very new, people might use the word pretendiente to describe someone who is 'pursuing' a person before they become a novio.
Examples in context
- ¿Tienes novio en este momento?Do you have a boyfriend right now?
- ¿Tienes novio actualmente?Do you currently have a boyfriend?
- ¿Tienes novio?Do you have a boyfriend?
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting at a café.
- DanielOye, ¿tienes novio?Hey, do you have a boyfriend?
- ElenaNo, no tengo a nadie.No, I don't have anyone.
- Daniel¡Qué mal! Deberías salir más.That's too bad! You should go out more.
- ElenaTienes razón, Daniel.You're right, Daniel.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries novio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
