lo tengo
/lo tenɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I have it" is translated into Spanish as lo tengo.
Use this phrase to state that you are currently in possession of a specific object.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on the gender and number of the object you possess. Use la tengo if the object being possessed is a feminine noun. To say "I have them", use los tengo for masculine plural objects and las tengo for feminine plural objects.
How do you pronounce it?
/lo tenɡo/
Did you know?
- While lo tengo indicates possession, the word tener is also used to express temporary states that English treats as adjectives, such as tengo hambre for 'I am hungry'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, lo tengo can be used to mean 'I get it' or 'I understand', similar to how an English speaker might say 'I've got it'.
- The pronoun lo descends from the Latin illum, which specifically referred to 'that' or 'that one' in the masculine accusative case.
Examples in context
- Lo tengo en casa.I have it at home.This sentence is useful for saying where you possess the lo tengo.Tatoeba #3876762 by SrTortuga, translation #3823778 by CK
- ¿Por qué lo tengo?Why do I have it?This sentence is useful for asking a question regarding why you possess the lo tengo.Tatoeba #5967329 by arh, translation #12096534 by shekitten
- Lo tengo aquí por algún lado.I have it here somewhere.This sentence is useful for stating that you have the lo tengo in a specific location.Tatoeba #3390014 by marcelostockle, translation #2359883 by CK
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are looking for a lost book.
- DanielSofía, ¿sabes dónde está mi libro?Sofía, do you know where my book is?
- SofíaSí, lo tengo yo.Yes, I have it.
- Daniel¿Me lo puedes dar ahora?Can you give it to me now?
- SofíaClaro, lo tengo en la mano.Sure, I have it in my hand.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
