tiene
/tjene/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'has' is translated into Spanish as tiene.
The verb tener is used to express possession in Spanish. The phrase tiene que followed by an infinitive is used to express an obligation, meaning 'has to' or 'must'. Additionally, the expression contar con can convey a sense of 'having' when you want to emphasize relying on or counting on someone or something.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While tiene is the standard way to express having, poseer is a more formal alternative used specifically for legal or formal possessions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb tener must be conjugated to match the subject of the sentence. tiene is specifically the third-person singular form (he/she/it has). Other conjugations include tengo (I have), tienes (you have), tenemos (we have), tenéis (you all have) and tienen (they have).
How do you pronounce it?
/tjene/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When describing physical sensations or characteristics such as hunger or age, avoid using es (is). Instead of saying something like 'he is hungry' using the verb to be, use tiene to say he 'has' hunger.
Did you know?
- While tiene expresses possession, Spanish speakers use tener to express many states that English expresses with 'to be', such as tiene miedo for 'he is afraid' or tiene razón for 'he is right'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, tiene is used in the phrase tiene sentido to mean 'it makes sense', treating the logic of an argument as a possession.
- In certain contexts, tener can be used to express a strong desire or craving, such as tiene ganas de, which literally means 'he has desires of'.
Examples in context
- Él tiene un blog.He has a blog.This sentence shows how to use tiene to indicate possession of a blog.Tatoeba #2936912 by cueyayotl, translation #2907286 by CM
- Tom tiene que ir.Tom has to go.This sentence demonstrates using tiene que to express an obligation.Tatoeba #3136578 by marcelostockle, translation #2649188 by CK
- Él tiene un hijo.He has a son.This sentence illustrates using tiene to show possession of a son.Tatoeba #3481789 by hayastan, translation #2870268 by Amastan
- María tiene un perro.María has a dog.
- El libro tiene muchas páginas.The book has many pages.
- El niño tiene miedo.The child is scared.
- La empresa posee muchas propiedades.The company has many properties.
- El museo posee una colección invaluable.The museum has an invaluable collection.
- Contamos con tu apoyo.We have your support.
- La ciudad cuenta con un nuevo parque.The city has a new park.
- Tienes sedYou're thirsty
- Tiene fríoHe/She is cold
- 3360 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking about a new neighbor.
- Daniel¿El vecino tiene perro?Does the neighbor have a dog?
- ElenaSí, tiene un perro muy grande.Yes, he has a very large dog.
- Daniel¡Qué bien! Él tiene mucha suerte.That's great! He is very lucky.
- ElenaTambién tiene una casa hermosa.He also has a beautiful house.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
