tengo tos
/tenɡo tos/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase to say "I have a cough" is tengo tos.
You use this phrase to state that you are experiencing a cough. If you want to emphasize the continuous action of coughing right now, you can use the progressive form estoy tosiendo.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb tengo (I have) and the noun tos (cough).
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike in English, Spanish does not use an indefinite article (un/una) before tos in this context.
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo tos/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add the article una (a) before tos, whereas tengo tos is the standard way to express the condition.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, rather than saying they 'have' a cough, people might say me dio tos, which translates literally to 'cough gave me'.
- Spanish speakers often use me pica la garganta, meaning 'my throat itches', to describe the tickle that causes a cough.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if you say tengo tos, a friend or relative might suggest a remedio casero like honey with lemon or garlic, which are deeply ingrained folk remedies.
Examples in context
- Tengo tos y un poco de fiebre.I have a cough and a little fever.This sentence is useful for mentioning a cough along with a fever.Tatoeba #3028 by Shishir, translation #135968 by dkulp
- Tengo tos.I have a cough.This sentence is a simple way to state that you have a cough.Tatoeba #1279982 by marcelostockle, translation #51340 by CK
- No sé por qué tengo tos.I don't know why I have a cough.This sentence is useful for expressing uncertainty about the cause of your cough.Tatoeba #1126588 by alexmarcelo, translation #1126674 by CK
- Estoy acatarrado, con dolor de garganta y tengo tos con flema. Creo que necesito descansar.I have a cold, a sore throat, and I have a cough with phlegm. I think I need to rest.
- Disculpe, presento tos y me gustaría obtener una cita con el médico.Excuse me, I have a cough and I would like to schedule a doctor's appointment.
Example conversation
Mateo is talking to Elena at a pharmacy.
- MateoElena, no me siento bien.Elena, I don't feel well.
- Elena¿Qué te pasa, Mateo?What is wrong, Mateo?
- MateoTengo tos y dolor de garganta.I have a cough and a sore throat.
- ElenaDeberías comprar un jarabe.You should buy some syrup.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
