tengo una pistola
/tenɡo una pistola/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I have a gun" is translated into Spanish as tengo una pistola.
This phrase is used to inform someone that the speaker is carrying a firearm. The word pistola refers specifically to a handgun.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tengo (I have), una (a) and pistola (gun/pistol).
Which one should you use?
While pistola specifically refers to a handgun, the phrase tengo un arma uses the more general term un arma to mean "I have a weapon," which could include knives or other types of firearms.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase tengo una pistola, the subject pronoun yo (I) is omitted because the verb conjugation tengo already indicates the first-person singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo una pistola/
Did you know?
- In street or crime contexts across many Spanish-speaking cultures, people use the slang term fierro, meaning 'iron', instead of pistola.
- Although arma is a feminine noun, it uses the masculine article un in the phrase tengo un arma to avoid the clashing sounds of two stressed 'a' vowels.
- The word pistola actually traces its roots back to the Czech word píšťala, which originally meant a 'tube' or 'pipe'.
Examples in context
- Tengo una pistola.I have a gun.This sentence is useful for stating that you have a gun using tengo una pistola.Tatoeba #9710602 by arh, translation #2358734 by CK
- Perdón, pero necesito mencionar que tengo un arma para garantizar la seguridad de todosSorry, but I need to mention that I have a gun to ensure everyone's safety
- Tengo una pistola en mi maleta.I have a gun in my suitcase.
- No te asustes, tengo una pistola para protegerme.Don't be scared, I have a gun to protect myself.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are at a shooting range.
- DanielElena, tengo una pistola nueva.Elena, I have a new gun.
- Elena¿Es de buen calibre?Is it a good caliber?
- DanielSí, es muy precisa.Yes, it is very precise.
- ElenaPruébala ahora mismo.Try it out right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pistola, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
