poseer
/poseˈeɾ/
The English verb possess is translated into Spanish as poseer.
Poseer is used to express the act of having something as, or as if as, an owner.
Meaning: to have (something) as, or as if as, an owner (verb)
Which one should you use?
While poseer means to possess or own, the verb tener is the much more common, everyday way to say 'to have' in most contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the present indicative tense, the third-person singular form is posee (he/she possesses) and the third-person plural form is poseen (they possess).
How do you pronounce it?
/poseˈeɾ/
Did you know?
- The word poseer is inherited from the Latin verb possidēre, which combines the root for 'power' and 'sitting'.
- Because of its heavy weight, using poseer to describe mundane ownership, like owning a stapler, can make you sound like a character in a dramatic novel or even like you are being sarcastic.
- In a legal sense, poseer can describe a person who actually holds an object even if they do not legally own it. This distinguishes the physical state of 'possession' from the legal right of 'ownership'.
Examples in context
- Los fantasmas pueden poseer personas.Ghosts can possess people.This example shows how poseer can be used in the context of ghosts and people.Tatoeba #2818871 by marcelostockle, translation #2818873 by marcelostockle
- Tengo un coche nuevo.I have a new car.
- Ellos tienen una casa en la playa.They have a house on the beach.
- ¿Tiene usted el informe?Do you have the report, formal?
- Ella posee habilidades excepcionales.She possesses exceptional skills.
- La empresa posee numerosos activos.The company possesses numerous assets.
- ¿Posee usted el título de propiedad?Do you own the property title, formal?
- Tengo una mascota adorable.I have an adorable pet.
- ¿Tienes un nuevo teléfono?Do you have a new phone?
- ¡Tenemos una fiesta esta noche!We have a party tonight!
- Tengo un libroI have a book.
- Llevo un reloj nuevoI have a new watch.
- Cuento con una excelente colección de arteI possess an excellent art collection.
- Él no puede poseer esa propiedad.He cannot possess that property.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “possess” translations and entries poseer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries poseer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
