ya tengo
/ʝa tenɡo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "I have now" is ya tengo.
This phrase is used to state that you currently possess something or have reached a certain state. While it translates to "I have now," the word ya often carries the nuance of "already," implying that a change has occurred from a previous state of not having the item or state in question.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ya, meaning "already" or "now" and tengo, meaning "I have".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, people may use Ahora mismo, tengo instead of En este momento, tengo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb tengo is the first-person singular present indicative of the verb tener (to have).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝa tenɡo/
Did you know?
- The verb tener used in tengo is also used in Spanish to express age, whereas English uses the verb 'to be', so you say 'I have 20 years' instead of 'I am 20'.
- While ya tengo implies a change in state, saying ya lo tengo is often used colloquially to mean 'I've got it' or 'I understand' during a conversation.
- The word ya is a linguistic relative of the French word 'déjà', as both evolved from the Latin 'iam'.
Examples in context
- En este momento, tengo una reunión importante.I have a crucial meeting at this moment
- En el presente, cuento con los documentos necesarios.I have the necessary documents in the present moment
- Tengo ahora una cita importante.I have an important appointment now.
- En este momento, cuento con el informe solicitado.I have the requested report at this moment.
- Yo tengo ahora disponible un horario para la reunión.I have a time slot available for the meeting now.
- Ahora tengo hambre.I'm hungry now.
- En mi mochila, tengo ahora el libro que me pediste.In my backpack, I have the book you asked for now.
- Ya tengo las llaves.I have the keys now.
- Ya tengo las llaves de la casa.I have the house keys now.
- Ya tengo una idea para el proyecto.I have an idea for the project now.
- Ya tengo suficiente dinero para el viaje.I have enough money for the trip now.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a missing book.
- Javier¿Dónde está tu libro, Elena?Where is your book, Elena?
- ElenaYa tengo el libro en mi mochila.I have the book in my backpack now.
- Javier¡Qué bueno! ¿Lo encontraste?That's good! Did you find it?
- ElenaSí, lo encontré en la sala.Yes, I found it in the living room.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
