How do you use tener in Spanish?
There are many idiomatic expressions that use the verb “tener”.
e.g.
“tener ___ años”
Incorrect: (to have _____ years)
Correct: (to be _____ years old)
“tener frío”
Incorrect: (to have cold)
Correct: to be cold
“tener calor”
Incorrect: (to have hot)
Correct: to be hot
“tener hambre”
Incorrect: (to have hungry)
Correct: to be hungry
“tener sed”
Incorrect: (to have thirsty)
Correct: to be thirsty
“tener sueño”
Incorrect: (to have sleepy)
Correct: to be sleepy
Note: There are also many idiomatic expressions with
“tener” that express sensations more psychological in nature:
“tener prisa”
Correct: to be afraid of something
“tener miedo a/de + infinitive”
Correct: to be afraid to do something
There are other idiomatic expressions with “tener” as well:
Note: When using these idiomatic expressions, conjugate the verb “tener” according to the subject of the sentence.
Nosotros tenemos cinco años. – We are five years old
Tú tienes ocho años.- You are eight years old
Ellos tienen dos años.-They are two years old
Note: Because the expressions with “tener” use nouns, they are modified with adjectives, not adverbs.
Tengo frío. (I am cold)
Tengo mucho frío.(I am very cold)
Tengo suerte (I am lucky)
Tengo mucha suerte. (I am very lucky)
Tengo hambre (I am hungry)
Tengo mucha hambre. (I am very hungry)
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