Tengo una hermana
/tenɡo una eɾmana/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I have a sister" is translated into Spanish as Tengo una hermana.
Tengo una hermana is a straightforward way to say "I have a sister." If you want to add emphasis to the subject, you can use Yo tengo una hermana. Additionally, if you wish to introduce a sister by name or description rather than simply stating you have one, you can use the phrase Mi hermana es…
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Tengo is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb tener (to have). In Spanish, the subject pronoun yo (I) is typically omitted because the verb ending itself indicates that the subject is "I".
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo una eɾmana/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the verb ser (to be) instead of tener (to have) when expressing possession. However, Tengo is the correct verb to use for ownership or relationships.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the verb tener is used for many expressions where English uses 'to be', such as saying Tengo hambre for 'I am hungry'.
- The word hermana shares its roots with the English word 'germane', which refers to something being closely related or relevant.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if you are talking about your sister, you might use the diminutive hermanita to express affection, even if she is an adult.
Examples in context
- Tengo una hermana y un hermano.I have a sister and a brother.This example shows how to use Tengo una hermana to include a brother in the sentence.Tatoeba #12903751 by araneo, translation #2358815 by CK
- Tengo una hermana mayor.I have an older sister.
- Yo tengo una hermana menor llamada María.I have a younger sister named María.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking about their families.
- AlejandroTengo una hermana que vive en Madrid.I have a sister who lives in Madrid.
- María¡Qué bien! Yo no tengo hermanos.That's great! I don't have any siblings.
- AlejandroElla es muy simpática.She is very nice.
- MaríaMe gustaría conocerla.I would like to meet her.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermana, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
