te tengo
/te tenɡo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "got you" is translated as te tengo.
The phrase is used to indicate that you have physically caught or captured someone. For example, you might use Te pillé to say "I caught you" or "I got you" in an informal setting or use ¡Te atrapé! to playfully exclaim "Got you!" when you have caught someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the object pronoun te (you) and the first-person singular form of the verb *tener* (to have), which literally means "I have you".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on who or what you have caught. If you are saying "I got them" to refer to a group of males or a mixed-gender group, use los tengo. If you are referring to a group of females or feminine objects, use las tengo.
How do you pronounce it?
/te tenɡo/
Did you know?
- The verb tener in te tengo is the same root used in the English word 'tenure', reflecting the idea of holding or possessing a position.
- In Spain, te pillé is common for 'got you', but in many Latin American countries, the word agarrar is preferred to describe the act of seizing or catching someone.
- In certain Caribbean dialects, if you want to say 'I got you' as in 'I've got your back' or 'I'm supporting you', you might hear phrases involving the verb apoyar rather than a literal 'have you'.
Examples in context
- Te tengo del brazo.I have you by the arm.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are playing hide and seek in a garden.
- Alejandro¿Dónde está María?Where is María?
- María¡No me encontrarás!You won't find me!
- Alejandro¡Te tengo!Got you!
- María¡Oh no, Alejandro!Oh no, Alejandro!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
