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A2 verb 9 min de lecture

tenere

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces tenere en 30 secondes

Explication tenere in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'tenere' is introduced primarily as a physical action: to hold something in your hand. Students learn the basic present tense conjugation, focusing on the irregular 'io tengo'. The most common use at this stage is 'tenere per mano' (to hold by the hand) or 'tieni questo' (hold this). It is one of the first irregular verbs students encounter that shows a stem change (e to ie) and a 'g' insertion. The goal is simply to distinguish it from 'prendere' (to take). Exercises usually involve simple classroom objects or basic family interactions. Teachers emphasize that 'tenere' is about the state of possession, not the act of receiving.

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At the A2 level, the use of 'tenere' expands to include 'keeping' things in a certain state (tenere aperto/chiuso) and the very important idiomatic construction 'tenerci a' (to care about). Students learn to use it in the imperative to give instructions (tieni la destra). The past participle 'tenuto' is introduced for use with the auxiliary 'avere' in the passato prossimo. Learners are expected to handle simple idioms like 'tenere d'occhio' (to keep an eye on). The focus shifts from purely physical holding to including maintenance of environment and basic emotional expressions. This is the stage where the distinction between 'tenere' and 'mantenere' begins to be relevant.

By B1, learners use 'tenere' in more complex grammatical structures, including the conditional and subjunctive moods. The reflexive 'tenersi' becomes more frequent, used for balance (tenersi forte) or self-maintenance (tenersi in forma). Students explore the verb's use in professional contexts, such as 'tenere una lezione' (to give a lecture) or 'tenere un discorso' (to give a speech). The emotional nuance of 'tenerci' is mastered, allowing for more nuanced social interactions. Learners also start to encounter 'tenere' in literature and news, where it might describe maintaining a position or a political stance. The contrast with 'reggere' (to support/withstand) is often taught here.

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At the B2 level, 'tenere' is used fluently in a wide range of idiomatic expressions and abstract contexts. Students can use it to describe complex states, such as 'tenere in sospeso' (to keep in suspense) or 'tenere testa a qualcuno' (to stand up to someone). The nuances of register become important; for example, knowing when 'tenere' is a more natural choice than 'svolgere'. Mastery of the past absolute (tenne, tennero) is expected for reading comprehension. Learners can discuss regional variations, such as the Southern Italian use of 'tenere' for 'avere', and understand why it is considered informal or non-standard in other regions. They also use the verb in complex hypothetical sentences.

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C1 students use 'tenere' with the precision of a native speaker. They understand its role in fixed legal or bureaucratic phrases, such as 'tenere indenne' (to hold harmless). They can appreciate the stylistic choice of using 'tenere' to create specific rhythms in prose or poetry. The verb is used to describe intricate psychological states, like 'tenere a freno le emozioni' (to keep emotions in check). At this level, the learner is aware of the etymological roots of the verb and how it relates to other Romance languages. They can use the verb in highly formal settings, such as academic lectures or high-level business negotiations, without hesitation.

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At the C2 level, the mastery of 'tenere' is absolute. The speaker can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning, irony, or emphasis. They are familiar with archaic or rare uses found in classical Italian literature. They can effortlessly navigate the most complex idiomatic terrain, such as 'tenere il sacco' (to be an accomplice). The distinction between 'tenere', 'mantenere', 'sostenere', and 'ritenere' is handled with perfect accuracy. A C2 learner can also analyze the sociolinguistic implications of 'tenere' in different Italian dialects and use this knowledge to adapt their speech to any social or professional environment in Italy.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

tenere en 30 secondes

Tenere primarily means 'to hold' or 'to keep'. It is an irregular verb essential for daily communication in Italian.
It is used for physical actions, like holding hands, and emotional ones, like caring about a person (using 'tenerci').
Common idioms include 'tenere d'occhio' (to keep an eye on) and 'tenere presente' (to keep in mind).
In the present tense, remember the 'g' in 'io tengo' and 'loro tengono', and the 'ie' in 'tieni' and 'tiene'.

The Italian verb tenere is a cornerstone of the Italian language, primarily functioning as a transitive verb that translates to 'to hold' or 'to keep' in English. At its most fundamental level, it describes the physical act of grasping something with one's hands or maintaining an object in a specific location or state. However, its utility extends far beyond simple physical interaction. In the daily life of an Italian speaker, tenere is used to express emotional attachment, the management of events, the preservation of secrets, and the maintenance of physical postures or conditions. Understanding tenere is essential for any A2 learner because it appears in countless idiomatic expressions and everyday commands. Whether you are asking someone to hold the door, keep a seat for you, or telling someone how much you care about them, this verb is your primary tool.

Physical Posession: The most common use involves holding an object. For example, holding a suitcase, a child's hand, or an umbrella. It implies a continuous action of gripping or supporting weight.

Puoi tenere la mia borsa per un momento? (Can you hold my bag for a moment?)

Emotional Significance: When combined with the preposition 'a' (tenerci a), the verb transforms to mean 'to care about' or 'to value' something or someone deeply. This is a high-frequency usage in social contexts.

Furthermore, tenere is used to describe the act of keeping something in a certain state, such as 'tenere la finestra aperta' (keeping the window open) or 'tenere i piedi caldi' (keeping one's feet warm). It also covers the organization of events, such as 'tenere una conferenza' (to hold a conference). In Southern Italy, you might hear 'tenere' used where Northern Italians would use 'avere' (to have), particularly regarding possession or physical traits, though this is considered regional and informal. For a learner, focusing on the 'hold/keep' distinction is the safest path to fluency. You will also encounter it in the reflexive form 'tenersi', which means to hold onto something for support or to keep oneself in a certain way, like 'tenersi in forma' (to keep oneself in shape).

Ci tengo molto al tuo parere. (I really care about your opinion.)

Maintenance of State: It is used to describe keeping an environment or object in a specific condition over a period of time, emphasizing the continuity of the state.

Dobbiamo tenere la porta chiusa per il freddo. (We must keep the door closed because of the cold.)

Using tenere correctly requires an understanding of its irregular conjugation and its various syntactic patterns. In the present indicative, the verb changes its stem: io tengo, tu tieni, lui/lei tiene, noi teniamo, voi tenete, loro tengono. This 'g' and 'ie' alternation is a classic feature of Italian second-conjugation verbs that learners must memorize early on. When using tenere to mean 'to hold,' it is usually followed directly by a noun. For example, 'Tengo il bicchiere' (I hold the glass). If you are using it to mean 'to keep,' it often takes a noun and an adjective or adverb: 'Tieni la stanza pulita' (Keep the room clean).

The 'Tenerci' Construction: One of the most important patterns for intermediate learners is 'tenerci a + [noun/verb]'. The 'ci' here is a fixed pronoun. Example: 'Ci tengo a finire il lavoro' (I care about finishing the work/It's important to me to finish the work).

Lui tiene sempre il segreto. (He always keeps the secret.)

Another common pattern involves the use of tenere in the imperative mood for giving directions or instructions. 'Tieni la destra' (Keep to the right) is a standard instruction when driving or walking. In more formal contexts, such as 'tenere un discorso' (to give a speech), the verb functions as a more sophisticated alternative to 'fare'. It suggests a level of formality and duration. When discussing emotions, 'tenere dentro' means to keep feelings inside, suppressed. The complexity of tenere lies in these small prepositional shifts that change the meaning from physical to metaphorical.

Reflexive Usage: 'Tenersi' often implies holding onto something for balance. 'Tenetevi forte!' (Hold on tight!) is what you might hear on a bumpy bus ride in Rome.

Dovete tenere i bambini per mano. (You must hold the children by the hand.)

In the context of distance or separation, we find 'tenere lontano' (to keep away) or 'tenere a bada' (to keep at bay). These phrases are essential for describing boundaries. For learners, practicing the transition from the physical 'hold' to the abstract 'care' or 'maintain' is the key to mastering the verb's application in varied Italian sentences.

Non tenere tutto dentro, parlami. (Don't keep everything inside, talk to me.)

You will hear tenere in almost every corner of Italian life. In a crowded metropolitana (subway), the automated voice or signs will remind you: 'Tenersi ai sostegni' (Hold onto the supports). If you are at a market and buy something, the vendor might say, 'Tenga il resto' (Keep the change) as a polite gesture, or more commonly, you might use it to tell them to keep something aside for you: 'Me lo può tenere da parte?' (Can you keep it aside for me?). This 'keeping aside' is a very common request in Italian shops and boutiques.

In the Kitchen: Recipes often use 'tenere' to describe maintaining a temperature or state: 'Tenere a fuoco basso' (Keep on low heat) or 'Tenere in ammollo' (Keep soaking).

Per favore, tieni d'occhio la pasta. (Please, keep an eye on the pasta.)

In social interactions, 'tenere' is the verb of loyalty and affection. When Italians say 'Ci tengo a te', they are expressing a deep, often non-romantic, care that is stronger than just 'liking' someone. It implies that the person is important to their life. You'll also hear it in sports; a commentator might say 'Il portiere tiene palla' (The goalkeeper holds the ball) or discuss a team's ability to 'tenere il ritmo' (keep the pace). In professional settings, managers 'tengono d'occhio' (keep an eye on) budgets or 'tengono riunioni' (hold meetings).

Finally, in the digital world, you might see 'Tienimi aggiornato' (Keep me updated) in emails or texts. It is the standard way to ask for ongoing information. Whether it is a mother telling her child 'Tienimi la mano' (Hold my hand) while crossing the street, or a friend saying 'Tieni duro!' (Hang in there! / Stay strong!) during a difficult time, tenere is deeply embedded in the emotional and functional fabric of Italian communication.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with tenere is confusing it with the verb prendere (to take). In English, we sometimes use 'hold' and 'take' in overlapping ways, but in Italian, the distinction is sharp. Prendere is the movement of reaching for and getting something, whereas tenere is the state of continuing to have it in your hand. If you say 'Prendi questo' you are asking someone to take it from you; if you say 'Tieni questo' you are asking them to hold it for a moment.

Conjugation Errors: Learners often forget the 'g' in 'tengo' and 'tengono'. They might incorrectly say 'teno' or 'tenono'. Similarly, the diphthongization in 'tieni' and 'tiene' is often missed, leading to 'teni' or 'tene'.

Errore: Io teno il libro. Corretto: Io tengo il libro.

Another common pitfall is the misuse of 'tenerci'. Beginners often forget the 'ci' or place it incorrectly. They might say 'Tengo a te' instead of 'Ci tengo a te'. Without the 'ci', the sentence sounds incomplete or changes meaning slightly toward physical holding. Furthermore, confusing tenere with mantenere is common. While they overlap, mantenere is more about 'maintaining' a family, a promise, or a complex system, whereas tenere is more direct and physical.

Lastly, English speakers often translate 'to keep' as 'tenere' in contexts where Italian uses different verbs. For example, 'to keep doing something' is translated using 'continuare a' or 'stare + gerund', not 'tenere'. Saying 'Tengo leggendo' is a literal translation of 'I keep reading' but it is grammatically incorrect in Italian. You should say 'Continuo a leggere'. Always remember: tenere is about holding or maintaining a state, not about the repetition of an action.

While tenere is incredibly versatile, Italian offers several synonyms that provide more precision depending on the context. Understanding these nuances will help you move from A2 to B1 level fluency. The most direct synonym for physical holding is reggere, which specifically implies supporting the weight of something to prevent it from falling. If you are holding a heavy box, reggere is more descriptive than tenere.

Tenere vs. Mantenere: 'Mantenere' is used for long-term preservation (mantenere la calma) or financial support (mantenere la famiglia). 'Tenere' is more immediate and physical.
Tenere vs. Stringere: 'Stringere' means to squeeze or hold tightly. Use this for handshakes (stringere la mano) or tight hugs.
Tenere vs. Conservare: 'Conservare' is best for 'to keep' in the sense of storing something for the future, like food in a fridge or a memento in a box.

Esempio: Puoi reggere questo vassoio? È pesante. (Can you support/hold this tray? It's heavy.)

For the abstract sense of 'keeping' a promise, mantenere is the only correct choice: 'mantenere una promessa'. If you want to say 'to keep' as in 'to continue', use continuare. In the context of 'holding' an event, organizzare or svolgere are often more precise in formal writing. However, in spoken Italian, tenere remains the 'utility player'—the verb that can do almost everything. By learning when to swap it for reggere or conservare, you demonstrate a deeper command of Italian vocabulary and a better understanding of physical and metaphorical space.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The English word 'tenacious' and 'tenant' both come from the same Latin root as 'tenere'. A 'tenant' is literally someone who 'holds' a property.

Guide de prononciation

UK /teˈne.re/

US /teˈne.re/

Second syllable (te-NE-re).

Rime avec

bere sedere vedere piacere cadere giacere sapere volere

Erreurs fréquentes

Stressing the first syllable (TE-ne-re).
Pronouncing the 'e' as a long 'ee' sound.
Failing to double the 'n' sound (though it's single, English speakers often shorten the preceding vowel too much).
Mispronouncing the 'g' in 'tengo' as a soft 'j'. It must be a hard 'g'.
Omitting the final 'e' in rapid speech.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Common and easy to recognize, but irregular forms can be confusing.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering the 'g' and 'ie' stem changes.

Expression orale 3/5

Natural use of 'tenerci' is a hallmark of more advanced speaking.

Écoute 2/5

Generally clear, though regional Southern usage might confuse beginners.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

avere prendere mano cosa stare

Apprends ensuite

mantenere sostenere trattenere appartenere reggere

Avancé

ritenere astenersi contenere ottenere

Grammaire à connaître

Irregular Present Tense

Io tengo, tu tieni, lui tiene...

Pronominal Verbs (Tenerci)

Ci tengo alla mia auto.

Reflexive Verbs with Body Parts

Tenersi la testa tra le mani.

Imperative Mood

Tieni la porta!

Auxiliary 'Avere' in Compound Tenses

Ho tenuto il libro.

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Exemples par niveau

Io tengo la borsa.

I hold the bag.

First person singular 'tengo' with 'g'.

Tu tieni il libro.

You hold the book.

Second person singular 'tieni' with 'ie' diphthong.

Tieni la mia mano.

Hold my hand.

Imperative form 'tieni'.

Noi teniamo la porta.

We hold the door.

Regular 'noi' ending.

Lui tiene il cane.

He holds the dog.

Third person singular 'tiene'.

Voi tenete le chiavi?

Do you (all) keep the keys?

Second person plural.

Loro tengono i fiori.

They hold the flowers.

Third person plural 'tengono' with 'g'.

Tieni questo, per favore.

Hold this, please.

Imperative usage.

Ci tengo molto alla mia famiglia.

I care a lot about my family.

Use of 'tenerci a' for emotional value.

Devi tenere la finestra aperta.

You must keep the window open.

Tenere + adjective for state.

Tieni d'occhio il latte sul fuoco.

Keep an eye on the milk on the stove.

Idiom: tenere d'occhio.

Ho tenuto il segreto per anni.

I kept the secret for years.

Passato prossimo with 'avere'.

Teniamo la destra sulla strada.

We keep to the right on the road.

Directional use.

Perché tieni il cappotto in casa?

Why are you keeping your coat on in the house?

Physical state/possession.

Tienimi un posto a tavola.

Keep a seat for me at the table.

Imperative with indirect object pronoun 'mi'.

Non tenere il volume troppo alto.

Don't keep the volume too high.

Negative imperative with infinitive.

Mi tengo in forma andando in palestra.

I keep myself in shape by going to the gym.

Reflexive 'tenersi'.

Il professore terrà una lezione domani.

The professor will hold a lecture tomorrow.

Future tense 'terrà'.

Spero che tu tenga conto del mio aiuto.

I hope you take my help into account.

Present subjunctive 'tenga'.

Tenetevi forte, l'autobus sta partendo!

Hold on tight, the bus is leaving!

Reflexive imperative plural.

Lui tiene molto a fare bella figura.

He cares a lot about making a good impression.

'Tenerci a' + infinitive.

Abbiamo tenuto i contatti via email.

We kept in touch via email.

Metaphorical holding/keeping.

Tieni presente che il negozio è chiuso.

Keep in mind that the shop is closed.

Idiom: tenere presente.

Non riusciva a tenere i piedi fermi.

He couldn't keep his feet still.

Tenere + body part + adjective.

È difficile tenere testa a un avversario così forte.

It's hard to stand up to/keep up with such a strong opponent.

Idiom: tenere testa.

La conferenza si terrà nell'aula magna.

The conference will be held in the main hall.

Passive/Reflexive future.

Vorrei che tenessi questo regalo come ricordo.

I would like you to keep this gift as a memento.

Imperfect subjunctive 'tenessi'.

Hanno tenuto un comportamento esemplare.

They maintained exemplary behavior.

Formal usage for conduct.

Bisogna tenere a bada le proprie paure.

One must keep one's fears at bay.

Idiom: tenere a bada.

Il governo tiene in sospeso la decisione.

The government is keeping the decision on hold.

Idiom: tenere in sospeso.

Tienimi informato sugli sviluppi del progetto.

Keep me informed about the project's developments.

Professional instruction.

Non teneva minimamente alle apparenze.

He didn't care in the slightest about appearances.

Imperfect tense with 'tenerci'.

Il discorso tenuto dal presidente è stato commovente.

The speech given by the president was moving.

Past participle used as an adjective/passive.

Tenere il sacco a qualcuno è un reato.

Being an accomplice to someone is a crime.

Idiom: tenere il sacco (to hold the bag/be an accomplice).

La struttura ha tenuto nonostante il terremoto.

The structure held up despite the earthquake.

Intransitive use meaning to resist pressure.

Il segretario tiene i verbali delle riunioni.

The secretary keeps the minutes of the meetings.

Professional administrative usage.

Si è tenuto sulle generali per non compromettersi.

He spoke in generalities to avoid committing himself.

Idiom: tenersi sulle generali.

Tenere in gran conto l'opinione degli esperti.

To hold the experts' opinion in high regard.

Formal abstract value.

La corda non ha tenuto e si è spezzata.

The rope didn't hold and it broke.

Physical resistance.

Tenne un contegno dignitoso per tutta la cerimonia.

He maintained a dignified bearing throughout the ceremony.

Passato remoto 'tenne'.

È bene non tenere i piedi in due scarpe in questa faccenda.

It's best not to have a foot in both camps in this matter.

Idiom: tenere i piedi in due scarpe.

L'imputato fu tenuto in custodia cautelare.

The defendant was held in remand.

Legal passive construction.

Ella teneva in pugno l'intera assemblea.

She had the entire assembly in the palm of her hand.

Idiom: tenere in pugno.

Non possiamo tenere in vita un progetto senza fondi.

We cannot keep a project alive without funds.

Metaphorical existence.

Si tenne al di sopra delle parti durante il conflitto.

He remained neutral/above the fray during the conflict.

Reflexive metaphorical position.

Il poeta tiene a sottolineare la caducità della vita.

The poet wishes to emphasize the fleeting nature of life.

Stylistic emphasis.

Tenere banco in una discussione richiede carisma.

To dominate a discussion requires charisma.

Idiom: tenere banco.

Il freddo tiene ancora, nonostante sia primavera.

The cold is still persisting, despite it being spring.

Intransitive use for weather persistence.

Collocations courantes

tenere la mano

tenere il segreto

tenere d'occhio

tenere aperto

tenere presente

tenere una lezione

tenere il ritmo

tenere compagnia

tenere pulito

tenere a bada

Phrases Courantes

Tieni!

— Here, take this! (Used when handing something to someone).

Tieni, ecco le chiavi.

Ci tengo.

— It matters to me / I care about it.

Non dimenticarlo, ci tengo.

Tieni duro!

— Hang in there! / Don't give up!

So che è difficile, ma tieni duro!

Tenere i piedi per terra

— To stay grounded / realistic.

Dobbiamo tenere i piedi per terra.

Tenere banco

— To dominate the conversation or situation.

Lui tiene sempre banco alle feste.

Tenere le distanze

— To keep one's distance.

È meglio tenere le distanze da lui.

Tenere in caldo

— To keep warm (food) or keep ready (an idea).

Tieni in caldo la cena.

Tenere il muso

— To sulk / be in a bad mood with someone.

Mi tiene il muso da ieri.

Tenere per sé

— To keep to oneself.

Ha tenuto la notizia per sé.

Tenere testa

— To stand up to someone.

Lei sa tenere testa al capo.

Souvent confondu avec

tenere vs prendere

Prendere is 'to take/get', tenere is 'to hold/keep'. Don't use 'prendere' if you already have the item in your hand.

tenere vs rimanere

Rimanere means 'to stay'. Tenere is 'to keep' something else in a state.

tenere vs mantenere

Mantenere is more for long-term support or maintenance; tenere is more immediate.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Tenere i piedi in due scarpe"

— To try to have it both ways or be in two camps at once.

Non puoi tenere i piedi in due scarpe.

informal

"Tenere il sacco"

— To be an accomplice to a crime or trick.

Io non tengo il sacco a nessuno.

informal

"Tenere qualcuno in pugno"

— To have someone completely under one's control.

Lo tiene in pugno con quel segreto.

neutral

"Tenere l'anima coi denti"

— To be barely alive or struggling to survive.

Dopo l'incidente, teneva l'anima coi denti.

literary/dramatic

"Tenere la bocca chiusa"

— To keep a secret or stay silent.

Tieni la bocca chiusa su questo!

informal

"Tenere a battesimo"

— To sponsor or initiate something new.

Ha tenuto a battesimo il nuovo progetto.

neutral

"Tenere in scacco"

— To keep someone in check or under threat (like in chess).

L'esercito teneva in scacco la città.

neutral

"Tenere la candela"

— To be a 'third wheel' on a date.

Non voglio venire a tenere la candela.

informal

"Tenere banco"

— To be the center of attention.

Marco teneva banco con le sue storie.

neutral

"Tenere sulla corda"

— To keep someone in suspense or waiting.

Mi ha tenuto sulla corda per ore.

neutral

Facile à confondre

tenere vs reggere

Both mean 'to hold'.

Reggere implies supporting weight so it doesn't fall. Tenere is more general.

Reggi questo vassoio, è pesante!

tenere vs stringere

Both involve hands.

Stringere means to hold tightly or squeeze.

Stringimi forte.

tenere vs contenere

Related root.

Contenere means to have inside (to contain).

La scatola contiene dolci.

tenere vs trattenere

Related root.

Trattenere means to stop someone from leaving or to hold back an emotion.

Non trattenere il pianto.

tenere vs appartenere

Related root.

Appartenere means 'to belong'.

Questo libro mi appartiene.

Structures de phrases

Soggetto + tenere + Oggetto

Io tengo la borsa.

Soggetto + tenere + Oggetto + Aggettivo

Lui tiene la camera pulita.

Ci + tenere + a + Nome

Ci tengo alla mia bici.

Tenersi + in + Nome

Mi tengo in allenamento.

Tenere + d'occhio + Oggetto

Tengo d'occhio la torta.

Tenere + Nome + in sospeso

Tengono la pratica in sospeso.

Tenere + Nome (formal event)

Il rettore terrà il discorso inaugurale.

Tenere + i piedi in due scarpe

Smetti di tenere i piedi in due scarpe.

Famille de mots

Noms

tenuta (estate/grip)

tenore (tenor/level)

tenimento (holding)

tenacia (tenacity)

Verbes

mantenere (maintain)

sostenere (support)

trattenere (restrain)

appartenere (belong)

contenere (contain)

Adjectifs

tenace (tenacious)

tenuto (held)

contenuto (contained)

Apparenté

contenitore

manutenzione

sostegno

appartenenza

astenersi

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high; top 100 verbs in Italian.

Erreurs courantes

Io teno il libro. → Io tengo il libro.
The first person singular requires a 'g'.
Tengo leggendo. → Continuo a leggere.
'Tenere' cannot be used for continuous actions like 'keep doing'.
Tengo a te. → Ci tengo a te.
The 'ci' is mandatory for the meaning 'to care about'.
Prendi questo (when you want them to hold it). → Tieni questo.
'Prendere' is the act of taking; 'tenere' is the act of holding.
Loro tenono. → Loro tengono.
The third person plural also needs the 'g'.

Astuces

Stem Changes

Remember the E to IE change: io tengo, but tu tieni. This happens in the 'boot' of the conjugation.

The Power of 'Ci'

Master 'tenerci' early. It's the most common way to express that something is important to you.

Handing things over

Always say 'Tieni!' or 'Tenga!' (formal) when giving an object to someone.

Public Announcements

Listen for 'tenersi' in trains and buses; it's a great real-world example of the reflexive.

Southern Usage

If you travel to the South, don't be surprised by 'tengo' meaning 'ho'. Just know it's regional.

Formal Speeches

Use 'tenere un discorso' instead of 'fare un discorso' to sound more professional.

Tennis Association

Think of 'Tennis'. You have to 'tenere' the racket to play.

State vs Action

Tenere is a state. Once you have taken (preso) something, you hold (tieni) it.

Stay Grounded

Learn 'tenere i piedi per terra' to describe someone who is realistic.

No 'Teno'

Never say 'io teno'. The 'g' is essential: 'io tengo'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Tenor' (tenore) holding a long note. He has to 'tenere' the note to keep the song going.

Association visuelle

Imagine someone holding a giant '10' (ten) in their hands. Ten-ere. They are holding the number ten.

Word Web

mano segreto porta occhio calma posto forma mente

Défi

Try to use 'tenere' in three different ways today: once for a physical object, once for a state (like keeping a door open), and once to say you care about something.

Origine du mot

From the Latin verb 'tenēre', which carries the same meaning of 'to hold, keep, or possess'.

Sens originel : To hold, to grasp, to reach.

Romance (Indo-European).

Contexte culturel

Be careful with 'tenere a bada' (keep at bay) as it can sound aggressive depending on the context.

English speakers often use 'keep' for repetitive actions (keep going), but Italians use 'continuare'. Don't use 'tenere' for 'keep doing'.

Canzone: 'Tienimi le mani' by various artists. Movie: 'Tenerezza' (Tenderness, related root). Proverb: 'Chi non tiene non ha' (He who doesn't keep, doesn't have).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Shopping

Può tenermelo da parte?
Tenga il resto.
Dove tenete il pane?
Tenga lo scontrino.

Travel

Tenersi ai sostegni.
Tenere i bagagli con sé.
Tenga la destra.
Tenere il passaporto a portata di mano.

Cooking

Tenere a fuoco lento.
Tenere in frigo.
Tenere coperto.
Tenere in ammollo.

Social

Ci tengo molto.
Teniamoci in contatto.
Mi tiene compagnia?
Tieni il segreto.

Work

Tenere una riunione.
Tenere d'occhio i costi.
Tenere presente che...
Tenere un discorso.

Amorces de conversation

"A cosa tieni di più nella vita?"

"Sai tenere un segreto o racconti tutto agli amici?"

"Come fai a tenerti in forma durante l'inverno?"

"Puoi tenermi un posto se arrivo in ritardo al cinema?"

"Ti piace tenere tutto in ordine o sei una persona disordinata?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descrivi una persona a cui tieni molto e spiega perché è importante per te.

Quali sono le cose che tieni sempre nella tua borsa o nel tuo zaino?

Scrivi di una volta in cui hai dovuto 'tenere duro' in una situazione difficile.

Ti piace tenere un diario? Perché sì o perché no?

Quali tradizioni della tua famiglia vorresti tenere vive per il futuro?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, in the present indicative, future, and present subjunctive, it follows an irregular pattern (tengo, terrò, tenga).

Tenere is for physical holding or caring. Mantenere is for maintenance, keeping promises, or financial support.

No, you should use 'continuare a' or 'stare + gerund'. 'Tenere' is for states or objects.

In many Southern dialects, 'tenere' is used instead of 'avere' for possession and physical states. It's regional, not standard Italian.

Use the construction 'Ci tengo a te'.

It means 'Here!' or 'Take it!'. It's the imperative form of tenere.

Yes, 'tenuto' is the standard past participle used in compound tenses.

It means to dominate a conversation or be the center of attention in a group.

Use the idiom 'tenere d'occhio'.

Yes, in the sense of physical support (reggere) or supporting a team (tifare), though 'tifare' is better for sports.

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