Greetings! If you are interested in learning how to express your age in Spanish, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to use a formal or informal approach, we’ve got you covered. Remember to adapt your speech based on the context and the person you are addressing. Let’s delve into the various ways of stating your age in Spanish!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions:
If you’re looking for a formal way to express your age in Spanish, the following phrases will be your go-to:
1.1 Using the Verb “Tener” (to have)
One commonly used structure is to employ the verb “tener” in Spanish, which translates to “to have” in English. To express your age, simply say:
“Tengo [insert number] años.”
For example, if you are 25 years old, you would say “Tengo veinticinco años.”
Here, it’s essential to note that the numbers from 16 to 19 require a slight variation. Instead of saying “diecisiete” for seventeen, or “diecinueve” for nineteen, you can say “diez y siete” and “diez y nueve” respectively.
1.2 Using the Verb “Cumplir” (to turn)
Another formal and idiomatic way to express your age is by using the verb “cumplir,” meaning “to turn” in English. Employ this structure to convey your age:
“Cumplo [insert number] años.”
For instance, suppose you are turning 30. In that case, you can say “Cumplo treinta años.”
2. Informal Expressions:
Now let’s explore the more casual and informal ways to talk about age in Spanish:
2.1 Using the Verb “Tener” (to have)
Similar to the formal expressions, you can employ the verb “tener” to convey your age in a less formal context. In an informal setting, simply say:
“Tengo [insert number] años.”
For example, if you are 16 years old, you would say “Tengo dieciséis años.”
2.2 Using the Phrase “Tener X + años”
In daily conversations, it is quite common to omit the verb and directly state your age using the phrase “tener X + años.” It’s a casual way to express age. For instance:
“Tengo 20 años” becomes “Veinte años.”
“Tengo 12 años” becomes “Doce años.”
Quick Tips:
- Remember that in Spanish, the noun “años” (years) is generally included when expressing age.
- For feminine ages, use “años” as well. For example, “Tengo veinticinco años” (I am 25 years old) remains the same for both genders.
- If you’re unsure about the number pronunciation, consult a reliable Spanish pronunciation guide or an online resource to ensure accuracy.
- When referring to infants or young children, it is common to express their age in months instead of years. For instance, “Tiene 8 meses” (He/she is 8 months old).
Examples:
Let’s see some practical examples showcasing the phrases we’ve discussed:
- Formal: “Tengo veinticuatro años” (I am 24 years old)
- Formal: “Cumplo cincuenta años mañana” (I turn 50 tomorrow)
- Informal: “Tengo diecisiete años” (I am 17 years old)
- Informal: “Veinte años” (Twenty years old)
Remember, it’s crucial to adapt your language to the context and the level of formality required. Now you have the essential tools to express your age in Spanish confidently. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
