tener
to have
To have, hold, or possess something
Encoding Strategies:
repetition
The most useful translation for tener is to have, because nearly every use connects back to the core idea of holding or possessing something0.
tener
to have, to own (possession)
To have or own something.
- Tengo tres coches = I have three cars
- Tiene los ojos verdes = She has green eyes
- ¿Tienes efectivo? = Do you have cash?
to be (age)
In Spanish you possess your age — you "have" years rather than "being" an age like in English.
- Mi hermana tiene 33 años = My sister is 33 years old
to be, to feel (sensations)
In Spanish you "have" sensations rather than "being" them — you have cold, have hunger, have fear.
- Si tienes frío, ponte un abrigo = If you are cold, put on a coat
- Tengo hambre = I am hungry
to be, to measure (measurements)
An object "has" its own dimensions — it possesses them.
- Esta maleta tiene 20 centímetros de ancho = This suitcase is 20 centimeters wide
to have, to hold (events)
To have or hold a scheduled event — just like English says "to hold a meeting."
- El lunes tengo una cita con el dentista = I have a dentist appointment on Monday
- Mañana tenemos junta en la tarde = We have a meeting tomorrow afternoon
to hold, to take (physical grasp)
To physically have or hold something in your hands.
- Ten la bandeja = Hold the tray
- Ten tu bolsa = Here is your bag
tener que
to have to, must (obligation)
When you "have to" do something, you have an obligation.
- Tengo que terminar mis deberes antes de salir = I have to finish my homework before leaving
- Tienes que comer todo en tu plato si quieres postre = You must eat everything on your plate if you want dessert
tenerse
to stand, to hold oneself up (upright)
To hold yourself up, standing or upright.
- Estaba tan mareado que no me tenía de pie = I was so dizzy I couldn't stand up