tengo 14 años
To say "my age is 14" in Spanish, use tengo 14 años.
This phrase is used to communicate how many years old a person is. While you might see the number written as 14, it is also common to write it out as tengo catorce años.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I have 14 years". It consists of tengo (I have), the number 14 (catorce) and años (years).
How does it change in a sentence?
When stating your age, you must use the first-person singular of the verb tener (to have) rather than the verb ser (to be).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say soy 14 años by translating "I am" directly. In Spanish, you must use tengo to indicate you "have" a certain number of years.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish speaking cultures, saying tengo 14 años during a birthday celebration is accompanied by the tradition of la mordida, where the birthday person's face is pushed into the cake.
- The word años is a homonym for a common slang term for 'buttocks' in several Latin American countries, though context always makes the meaning clear.
- In Spanish, you can use the verb tener to describe not just your age, but also physical sensations like tengo frío for 'I am cold' and tengo sueño for 'I am sleepy'.
Examples in context
- Tengo 14 años.I am 14 years old.
- No te preocupes, yo también tengo 14 años.Don't worry, I am 14 years old too.
- Apenas tengo 14 años.I am only 14 years old.
Example conversation
Two students are introducing themselves at a summer camp.
- SofíaHola, me llamo Sofía y tengo 14 años.Hello, my name is Sofía and I am 14 years old.
- Mateo¡Qué bien! Yo soy Mateo y también tengo 14 años.That's great! I am Mateo and I am 14 years old too.
- Sofía¿Eres de este campamento?Are you from this camp?
- MateoNo, es mi primera vez aquí.No, it is my first time here.
