tengo clases
/tenɡo klases/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I have school" is expressed in Spanish as tengo clases.
This phrase is used to say that one has scheduled lessons or classes to attend.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tengo clases literally translates to "I have classes".
Which one should you use?
While tengo clases refers to having multiple scheduled lessons, tengo clase is often used to refer to the general state of having a class session at a specific time.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, Tengo cole is an informal way to say "I have school", using cole as a popular and abbreviated term for escuela or "school".
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form tengo clase is commonly used when referring to a single specific lesson or the general concept of attending a class session.
Did you know?
- In some regions, if you are 'skipping school', you might not say you are 'missing class', but rather that you are haciendo novillos, which literally translates to 'doing steers'.
- The word clase comes from the Latin 'classis', which originally referred to a division of the Roman people based on wealth rather than a room for learning.
- While tengo clases means you have lessons, the phrase dar clase is used by teachers to say they are teaching, literally meaning 'to give class'.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, tengo escuela en ese horario.I'm sorry, I have school during that time.
- No puedo, tengo cole hasta tarde.I can't, I have school until late.
- Hoy no puedo salir porque tengo clases.Today I cannot go out because I have classes.
- Por la mañana tengo clases de español.In the morning I have Spanish classes.
- No voy al cine, tengo clases de piano.I am not going to the cinema, I have piano classes.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking on the phone about their weekend plans.
- Javier¿Quieres ir al parque este sábado?Do you want to go to the park this Saturday?
- LucíaNo puedo, tengo clases todo el día.I cannot, I have classes all day.
- JavierQué lástima, Lucía.What a shame, Lucía.
- LucíaLo siento, Javier, tal vez el domingo.I am sorry, Javier, maybe on Sunday.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
