tengo brackets
/tenɡo bɾaɡkets/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I have braces" is tengo brackets.
The phrase is used to state that you are wearing orthodontic brackets on your teeth.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some South American countries, such as Chile, the phrase Tengo frenos is used to refer to braces.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase tengo brackets uses the first-person singular form of the verb tener (to have) to indicate possession or a current state.
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo bɾaɡkets/
Did you know?
- The term frenos, used in some regions, literally means 'brakes' as in those found on a car or bicycle.
- In Spanish, the verb tener is used for braces, but for other medical accessories like a cast or a bandage, speakers often use llevar, which means 'to carry' or 'to wear'.
- If you are in Spain, you might hear someone say they have ortodoncia instead of using a specific noun for the braces themselves.
Examples in context
- Hola, estoy usando brackets desde hace seis meses.Hello, I've been wearing braces for six months.
- En mi próximo viaje a Chile, quiero encontrar un ortodoncista para ajustarme los frenos.On my next trip to Chile, I want to find an orthodontist to adjust my braces.
- Tengo brackets ahora.I have braces now.
- No puedo comer dulces porque tengo brackets.I can't eat sweets because I have braces.
- Tengo brackets y me duelen los dientes.I have braces and my teeth hurt.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about their teeth.
- ElenaMira, Javier, ahora tengo brackets.Look, Javier, I have braces now.
- Javier¡Qué bien! ¿Te duelen mucho?That's great! Do they hurt a lot?
- ElenaUn poco, pero quiero que mis dientes estén rectos.A little, but I want my teeth to be straight.
- JavierSeguro que quedarás muy bien.I'm sure you'll look great.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
