tener
/teˈneɾ/
The Spanish phrase tener means to have.
While its primary meaning is to have, tener is used in several idiomatic expressions. The phrase tener ganas de is used to express the idea of feeling like or having the desire to do something. You can also use tener miedo to say one is afraid, and tener prisa to say one is in a hurry. Additionally, the construction tener que followed by an infinitive is used to express obligation or necessity.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the present indicative, the first-person singular is tengo (I have), the second-person singular is tienes (you have, informal) and the third-person singular is tiene (he/she/it has or you formal have). In the preterite past tense, the verb is highly irregular and uses the stem tuv-, such as in tuviste (you had).
How do you pronounce it?
/teˈneɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the verbs ser or estar to express hunger, but in Spanish, you should use tener hambre (to have hunger). Likewise, instead of using estar to express fear, you should use tener miedo (to have fear).
Did you know?
- The word tenedor, meaning 'fork', is derived directly from tener because a fork is a tool used to 'hold' food.
- To say you are old in Spanish, you do not use 'to be', but rather tener años, which literally translates to 'to have years'.
- The stem 'tuv-' used in the past tense of tener is actually a result of 'contamination' from the verb haber.
Examples in context
- El empresario posee una gran fortuna.The businessman possesses a great fortune.
- Con esta herramienta, contamos con una mejor eficiencia.With this tool, we have improved efficiency.
- ¿Tienes hambre?Are you hungry?
- Tenemos ganas de ir al cine.We feel like going to the movies.
- Tienes ganas de comer pizza.You have the desire to eat pizza.
- Quiero tener un perro.I want to have a dog.
- ¿Puedes tener paciencia con nosotros?Can you have patience with us?
- Es difícil tener mucho trabajo.It is difficult to have a lot of work.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about their plans for the weekend.
- DanielSofía, ¿vas a tener tiempo el sábado?Sofía, are you going to have time on Saturday?
- SofíaSí, Daniel. ¿Por qué lo preguntas?Yes, Daniel. Why do you ask?
- DanielQuiero tener una cena con mis amigos.I want to have a dinner with my friends.
- Sofía¡Qué buena idea! Yo voy.What a great idea! I'll go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tener, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tener, CC BY-SA 4.0.
