The Verb Tener (to have)
If you're learning Spanish, one of the first verbs you'll encounter is "tener". This versatile verb is essential for expressing possession, age, physical states, and much more. In this post, we'll dive deep into the conjugation and uses of "tener" to help you master it like a pro. π
Conjugation of "Tener" in Present Indicative π
First, let's look at how "tener" is conjugated in the present indicative tense:
Uses of "Tener" π οΈ
Indicating Possession πΌ
ΒΏTienes dinero? (Do you have money?)
Tengo un ordenador nuevo. (I have a new computer.)
Luis no tiene coche. (Luis doesn't have a car.)
Asking for Something π
ΒΏTienes un lΓ‘piz? (Do you have a pencil?)
SΓ, pero lo necesito. (Yes, but I need it.)
Talking About Family π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦
Cristina tiene siete hermanos. (Cristina has seven siblings.)
ΒΏCuΓ‘ntos hijos tenΓ©is? (How many children do you have?)
No tenemos hijos. (We don't have children.)
Describing People, Things, or Places π‘
Enrique tiene los ojos verdes. (Enrique has green eyes.)
El piso tiene noventa metros cuadrados. (The apartment is ninety square meters.)
Mi casa no tiene jardΓn. (My house doesn't have a garden.)
Madrid tiene seis millones de habitantes. (Madrid has six million inhabitants.)
Expressing Age π
ΒΏCuΓ‘ntos aΓ±os tienes? (How old are you?)
Tengo veinticinco aΓ±os. (I am twenty-five years old.)
Mis abuelos tienen noventa aΓ±os. (My grandparents are ninety years old.)
Expressing Physical and Emotional States π€
Tienes mala cara. ΒΏTienes fiebre? (You look bad. Do you have a fever?)
Tengo hambre. (I am hungry.)
Tengo frΓo. (I am cold.)
Negative Sentences and Questions ββ
Negative Sentences: Place "no" before the verb.
No tengo dinero. (I don't have money.)
Los niΓ±os no tienen sueΓ±o. (The children are not sleepy.)
Questions: The subject usually comes after the verb.
ΒΏCuΓ‘ntos aΓ±os tiene Pedro? (How old is Pedro?)
ΒΏTienen ustedes perro en casa? (Do you have a dog at home?)
Practice Exercise π
Complete the following sentences using the correct form of "tener":
Conversation questions about βtenerβπ£οΈ
Practice answering these questions with the verb βtener.
Complete the sentences with the verb βTenerβ
Click here to practice.
Check your knowledge of the verb βTenerβ
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Conclusion π―
The verb "tener" is a cornerstone of Spanish grammar, used in a variety of contexts to express possession, age, and states of being. By mastering its conjugation and uses, you'll significantly enhance your Spanish communication skills. Practice regularly, and soon you'll be using "tener" with confidence in your conversations. π¬