tengo 15 años
The English phrase 'my age is 15' is expressed in Spanish as tengo 15 años.
This phrase is a statement used to tell someone how many years old you are.
How does it change in a sentence?
When stating an age greater than one, you must use the plural form años.
Did you know?
- In many Latin American cultures, reaching 15 años is a major social milestone for girls, celebrated with a Quinceañera party that marks the transition from childhood to womanhood.
- While años is the standard word for years, Spanish speakers may use primaveras ('springs') in poetic or romantic contexts to describe someone's age, such as tengo 15 primaveras.
- Because Spanish views age as something you possess, you can use the same verb tener to describe other states of being, such as tengo hambre for 'I am hungry' or tengo miedo for 'I am afraid'.
Examples in context
- Tengo quince años, profesora.I am fifteen years old, teacher.
- Tengo quince primaveras, amigo/a.I have fifteen springs, my friend.
- Tengo 15 años ahora.I am 15 years old now.
- No te preocupes, tengo 15 años.Don't worry, I am 15 years old.
- Todavía tengo 15 años.I am still 15 years old.
Example conversation
Two students are meeting for the first time at school.
- MateoHola, soy Mateo. ¿Cuántos años tienes?Hi, I'm Mateo. How old are you?
- ElenaHola Mateo, soy Elena y tengo 15 años.Hi Mateo, I'm Elena and I am 15 years old.
- Mateo¡Qué bien! Yo también tengo 15 años.That's great! I am also 15 years old.
- ElenaEntonces estamos en el mismo grado.Then we are in the same grade.
