tenso
/ˈtenso/
The English word 'tense' is translated into Spanish as tenso.
Tenso is an adjective used to describe someone or something showing stress or strain. It is commonly used to describe social or environmental atmospheres, such as un ambiente tenso (a tense atmosphere).
Meaning: showing stress or strain (adj)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'tense' can be a noun referring to grammar, the Spanish word tenso is strictly an adjective meaning strained or tight.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective tenso must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use the feminine form tensa for feminine nouns, the masculine plural form tensos for masculine plural nouns and the feminine plural form tensas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtenso/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, saying someone is tieso is a slang way to say they are completely broke or have no money.
- While tenso describes a strained mood, the Spanish word for grammatical 'tense' is tiempo, which literally means 'time'.
- The Spanish word tenso is a direct relative of the English word 'tense', as both descend from the Latin 'tēnsus', meaning 'stretched'.
Examples in context
- Estaba un poco tenso.I was a bit tense.This sentence is useful for using tenso to describe a state of being.Tatoeba #7917520 by fpp, translation #6900570 by kaiperkins271
- El delincuente está tenso.The criminal is tense.This sentence uses tenso to describe a person's state.Tatoeba #1200278 by marcelostockle, translation #10497297 by Marqasa
- Intenta no ponerte tan tenso.Try not to be so tense.This sentence uses tenso in an imperative context to advise someone not to be tense.Tatoeba #10323394 by Seael, translation #2883003 by CK
- Es importante dominar los diferentes tiempos verbales en español.It is important to master the different verb tenses in Spanish.
- La correcta conjugación verbal depende del tiempo.Correct verbal conjugation depends on the tense.
- No puedo entender el tiempo de los verbos en esta oración.I can't understand the tense of the verbs in this sentence.
- ¿Cuál es la forma de conjugación correcta para este tiempo?What is the correct conjugation form for this tense?
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing a difficult meeting.
- AlejandroEl ambiente en la oficina estaba muy tenso.The atmosphere in the office was very tense.
- SofíaSí, me sentí muy nerviosa también.Yes, I felt very nervous too.
- AlejandroEs normal estar así después de la noticia.It is normal to be like that after the news.
- SofíaEspero que mañana no sea un día tan tenso.I hope tomorrow is not such a tense day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tense” translations and entries tenso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tenso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
