The Verb Tener

The Verb Tener

To have

Tener = to have

• The verb TENER is used to show relationship or posession.

• Tengo un hermano mayor

• I have an older brother

• Tenemos un regalo para Emilia

• We have a gift for Emilia

• ¿Tienes tarea esta noche?

• Do you have homework tonight?

Notice it's similar to a stem-changing verb?

...Except in to Yo form. The "o" changes to "go". This is called a Yo-Go verb.

Some expressions use TENER where English uses "to be"

• This is especially to case when discussing AGE.

• Mi primo tiene dieciséis años.

• My cousin is 16 years old.

• Yo tengo treinta años y mis abuelos tienen ochenta años.

• I am 30 years old and my grandparents are 80 years old.

• Mis amigos y yo tenemos hambre y sed.

• My friends and I are hungry and thirsty.

There are many other expressions that use TENER is a similar way...

• Tener sueño = to be sleepy

• Tener miedo = to be afraid

• Tener frío = to be cold (personally)

• Tener calor = to be hot (personally)

• Tener prisa = to be in a hurry

• Tener cuidado = to be careful

• Tener vergüenza = to be ashamed

You can also use TENER + QUE to discuss things that one HAS TO DO

• Tengo que estudiar para el examen.

• I have to study for the exam.

• Josefina tiene que ir al parque para hacer ejercicio.

• Josefina has to go to the park in order to exercise

Multiple Choice

¿Tienes la respuesta correcta?

• treinta y dos

• veintitres

• veinte

• dieciocho

19 + 17 + 12 + 12 = 77

100-77 = 23