What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tengo nueve años literally translates to "I have nine years."
Which one should you use?
While tengo nueve años is the standard way to state your age, you may encounter these variations: Tengo nueve añitos adds an affectionate, childish touch. Tengo nueve primaveras is a poetic way to say "I am nine springs old". Tengo nueve años cumplidos emphasizes that the ninth year of life has been completed. And Tengo nueve años recién cumplidos indicates that the person has just turned nine.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The variation Tengo nueve años cumplidos is used as a regional way to emphasize that one has completed the ninth year of life.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, age is expressed using the first-person singular form of the verb tener (to have), which is tengo, rather than using the verbs for "to be" (ser or estar).
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo nwebe aɲos/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying soy nueve to state your age. While English uses the verb "to be," Spanish requires you to use tengo (I have).
Did you know?
- Using primaveras to count years is a literary device often found in romantic poetry and boleros to emphasize the beauty and bloom of youth.
- The Spanish word nueve shares a common ancient ancestor with the English word 'nine'. Both descend from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁néwn̥.
- Adding the diminutive añitos to the phrase can change the tone from a clinical statement of age to an affectionate, much more endearing expression.
Examples in context
- Tengo nueve años.I am nine years old.
- ¿Cuántos años tienes? Tengo nueve años.How old are you? I am nine years old.
Example conversation
Two children are meeting for the first time at a park.
- María¿Cuántos años tienes, Javier?How old are you, Javier?
- JavierYo tengo nueve años, ¿y tú?I am nine years old, and you?
- MaríaYo tengo diez años.I am ten years old.
- Javier¡Tú eres mayor que yo!You are older than me!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nueve, CC BY-SA 4.0.
