tengo razón
/tenɡo ɾaθon/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase to say "I'm right" is tengo razón.
You use this phrase to state that your opinion or your belief about a particular fact is correct.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, tengo razón translates to "I have reason".
Which one should you use?
While tengo razón expresses that your opinion or judgment is correct, estoy en lo cierto is a more formal way to express the same idea.
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo ɾaθon/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying soy correcto to mean "I'm right". While this is a common mistake for English speakers, in Spanish, correcto is used to describe things that are accurate rather than for people holding an opinion.
Did you know?
- The word razón is a doublet of the Spanish word ración, meaning 'portion' or 'ration'. Both words evolved from the same Latin root ratiōnem, which referred to a calculation or accounting.
- While tengo razón means 'I am right', using the verb tener (to have) is a pattern in Spanish for many states of being, such as tener hambre for 'being hungry' or tener miedo for 'being afraid'.
- Using soy correcto instead of tengo razón can accidentally imply that you are a 'correct' person in terms of etiquette or social behavior, rather than being right about a fact.
Examples in context
- Sé que tengo razón.I know I'm right.This sentence demonstrates the use of tengo razón.Tatoeba #1642199 by Shishir, translation #1642193 by Biga
- Tengo razón, ¿o no?I'm right, aren't I?Tatoeba #2033343 by marcelostockle, translation #250808 by CK
- Creo que tengo razón.I think I'm right.Tatoeba #1348352 by marcelostockle, translation #433529 by CK
- Por favor, permítame explicar mi punto de vista. Estoy en lo correcto.Please, allow me to explain my point of view. I am right.
- Basándome en los hechos y la evidencia, tengo razón en esta cuestión.Based on the facts and evidence, I am right in this matter.
- Mi análisis detallado confirma que estoy en lo cierto en esta situación.My detailed analysis confirms that I am right in this situation.
- No me lo puedes negar, ¡tengo toda la razón en esta discusión!You can't deny it, I'm absolutely right in this discussion!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing a movie plot.
- ElenaTengo razón sobre el final de la película.I'm right about the end of the movie.
- DanielNo estoy seguro, Elena.I'm not sure, Elena.
- ElenaLo sé, tengo razón.I know it, I'm right.
- DanielEstá bien, te creo.Alright, I believe you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries razón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
