avere
/aˈve.re/
The English phrase 'have' can be translated into Italian as avere. Wiktionary also lists tenere.
Meaning: 1. to possess (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| avere | /aˈve.re/ |
| tenere | /teˈne.re/ |
The verb is used to express the sense of possessing or owning something.
Which one should you use?
While avere means to possess or own something, tenere is used when the sense is to hold something in one's hands or to keep something in a specific state/place.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb avere is used as an auxiliary verb to form compound past tenses, similar to how 'have' is used in English.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /aˈve.re/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While English speakers say they 'are' hungry, 'cold', or 'afraid', Italians use avere to say they 'have' hunger, 'cold', or 'fear'.
- The verb tenere is an ancestor of the English word 'tenant', as both come from the root for holding or keeping a property.
- The verb tenere is used in the common expression tenere testa, which means 'to stand up to someone' or 'to hold one's ground'.
Examples in context
- Può avere il resto.You can have the rest.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use avere to say one can possess something.Tatoeba #1287370 by Guybrush88, translation #954731 by CK
- Può avere un futuro?Could it have a future?This sentence is useful for forming a question with avere regarding a future.Tatoeba #5010114 by Guybrush88, translation #5012592 by Xanatos
- Può avere un futuro.It could have a future.This sentence is useful for making a statement with avere regarding a future.Tatoeba #5010115 by Guybrush88, translation #5012590 by Xanatos
- Io ho una casa meravigliosa.I have a wonderful house.
- Lei possiede una vasta conoscenza.She possesses extensive knowledge.
- Egli detiene il potere decisionale.He holds decision-making power.
- Ho una nuova macchina fantastica!I have a new fantastic car!
- Posseggo uno spirito avventuroso.I possess an adventurous spirit.
- Ho una domandaI have a question
- Hai tempo?Do you have time?
- Avere un debole per i dolciTo have a sweet tooth
- Avere le farfalle nello stomacoTo have butterflies in one's stomach
- 665 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are talking about a new phone.
- MatteoChiara, vuoi avere un telefono nuovo?Chiara, do you want to have a new phone?
- ChiaraSì, vorrei avere un modello più moderno.Yes, I would like to have a more modern model.
- MatteoPuoi avere lo sconto se lo compri ora.You can have the discount if you buy it now.
- ChiaraOttimo, allora vado a comprarlo!Great, then I am going to buy it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “have” translations and entries avere, tenere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avere, tenere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
