What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb tener (to have) and the noun razón (reason), literally translating to 'you had reason'.
Which one should you use?
While tenías razón is a common way to say 'you were right', you can also use the phrase estabas en lo cierto in informal settings. In some parts of Mexico and Central America, the regional variation andabas en lo correcto is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Mexico and Central America, you may hear Andabas en lo correcto to mean 'you were right'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the imperfect tense of tener to describe a continuous state or opinion held in the past. To express the present tense 'you are right', change the verb to the present tense: tienes razón. Note that the form tenía razón can also be used to mean 'he/she/it was right' or 'you (formal) were right'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying eras correcto to mean 'you were correct'. While this is a literal translation from English, Spanish speakers use the verb tener (to have reason) rather than ser (to be correct) when referring to an opinion.
Did you know?
- The noun razón in this phrase shares its Latin ancestor, ratiōnem, with the English word 'ratio'. This connects the idea of being 'right' to the concept of mathematical proportion and calculation.
- In certain Mexican and Central American dialects, you might hear the verb andar used instead of tener. Saying andabas en lo correcto treats the state of being right as something one 'walks' through or carries along.
- In Spanish, calling someone correcto describes their manners or morals rather than the accuracy of their statement.
Examples in context
- Supongo que tenías razón.I guess you were right.This sentence is useful for expressing a guess about someone being right using tenías razón.Tatoeba #2331121 by marcelostockle, translation #2330127 by CK
- Yo creía que tenías razón.I thought you were right.This sentence is useful for expressing a past belief about someone being right using tenías razón.Tatoeba #2178067 by marcelostockle, translation #1961771 by CK
- Él me dijo que tenías razón.He told me that you were right.This sentence is useful for reporting that someone else stated that you were right using tenías razón.Tatoeba #2313486 by marcelostockle, translation #297439 by CK
- Usted tenía razón en su enfoque estratégicoYou were right in your strategic approach
- Tenías razón, esta película es increíbleYou were right, this movie is amazing
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing a movie they saw yesterday.
- AlejandroLa película fue muy aburrida.The movie was very boring.
- SofíaTe lo dije la semana pasada.I told you last week.
- AlejandroEs verdad, tenías razón.It is true, you were right.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, Alejandro.Don't worry, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries razón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
