A1 Present Tense 17 min read Easy

The Verb 'Tener': Having things & Age

Master tener to talk about what you own, how old you are, and what you feel.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'tener' to express possession and age, remembering that in Spanish, you 'have' years rather than 'being' them.

  • Use 'tener' for physical possession: 'Tengo un libro' (I have a book).
  • Use 'tener' for age: 'Tengo veinte años' (I am twenty years old).
  • Remember the 'yo' form is irregular: 'tengo', not 'teno'.
Subject + [Tener Conjugation] + Object/Age

Overview

The verb tener is fundamental in Spanish, translating most commonly to 'to have' in English. Its primary function is to express possession. However, its usage extends significantly beyond simple ownership, encompassing age, physical sensations, emotional states, and obligations.

Mastering tener is crucial for A1 learners, as it unlocks the ability to describe possessions, personal characteristics like age, and fundamental bodily needs or feelings. Unlike English, where 'to be' is often used for age or conditions (e.g., 'I am hungry'), Spanish consistently employs tener for such expressions, conceptually framing them as things one 'possesses' or 'experiences'.

This verb is highly irregular in the present indicative tense. It exhibits both stem-changing (e to ie) and a 'yo-go' irregularity, meaning the yo form ends in -go. Understanding these irregularities is key to accurate conjugation and communication.

Conjugation Table

Subject Pronoun Tener Conjugation English Equivalent
:-------------- :----------------- :-----------------
Yo (I) tengo I have
(You, informal singular) tienes You have
Él/Ella/Usted (He/She/You, formal singular) tiene He/She has/You have
Nosotros/Nosotras (We) tenemos We have
Vosotros/Vosotras (You, informal plural, Spain) tenéis You all have
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes (They/You, formal plural) tienen They have/You all have

How This Grammar Works

At its core, tener expresses the concept of having or possessing. This can apply to tangible items, such as Tengo un coche (I have a car), or intangible concepts, like Tengo una idea (I have an idea). The linguistic principle here suggests a direct relationship of ownership or holding.
This contrasts with verbs like ser (to be) or estar (to be), which describe inherent qualities, identity, or temporary states.
Beyond direct possession, Spanish uniquely employs tener to express various conditions and states that English would typically convey with the verb 'to be'. For instance, instead of saying 'I am hungry,' Spanish uses Tengo hambre, literally 'I have hunger.' This construction highlights a conceptual difference: in Spanish, these conditions are often viewed as things one experiences or possesses at a given moment, rather than an inherent quality of being. This linguistic pattern is consistent across numerous expressions related to age, physical sensations, and certain emotional states.
Furthermore, tener serves a crucial grammatical function when combined with the word que followed by an infinitive verb. The phrase tener que + infinitive signifies obligation or necessity, translating to 'to have to' or 'must.' For example, Tengo que estudiar para el examen means 'I have to study for the exam.' This structure indicates a required action, providing a direct way to express duties or responsibilities. This functionality underscores tener's versatility beyond simple possession.

Formation Pattern

1
The verb tener is classified as an irregular verb in the present indicative tense due to two distinct types of changes from its infinitive form. Understanding these patterns is essential for correct usage. These irregularities primarily affect the stem of the verb, which is the part before the -er ending (ten-).
2
First, tener is a 'yo-go' verb. This specific irregularity means that the first-person singular (yo) form ends in -go, diverging from the expected -o ending for regular -er verbs. The stem ten- changes to teng- for this form. Therefore, Yo tengo is the correct conjugation, not Yo teno.
3
Second, tener is a stem-changing verb, specifically an e to ie stem-changer. This means that the vowel e in the verb's stem (ten-) changes to ie when it is in a stressed syllable. This change occurs in all forms except for nosotros and vosotros (which are typically not stressed on the stem's vowel). Examine the change:
4
tú tienes (You have)
5
él/ella/usted tiene (He/She has/You have)
6
ellos/ellas/ustedes tienen (They have/You all have)
7
The nosotros and vosotros forms, tenemos and tenéis respectively, retain the original e in the stem. This consistency is common among stem-changing verbs; the 'we' and 'you all' (Spain) forms often behave regularly. Recognizing this pattern simplifies memorization, as the irregularity follows a predictable rule for which subjects are affected. You apply the stem change to all forms that would typically receive vocal stress on the stem, omitting nosotros and vosotros.

When To Use It

Tener is indispensable in Spanish for expressing a wide array of concepts. Its utility extends across several key categories, each reflecting a specific conceptualization of 'having' or 'experiencing.'
  • Possession of Nouns: This is the most direct translation of 'to have.' Use tener for both tangible objects and abstract concepts that you possess or hold. This is similar to English 'to have.'
  • Tengo un libro nuevo. (I have a new book.)
  • ¿Tienes tiempo mañana? (Do you have time tomorrow?)
  • Ellos tienen mucha paciencia. (They have a lot of patience.)
  • Age: In Spanish, you do not 'be' a certain age; you 'have' a certain number of years. This is a critical difference from English and a common point of error for learners. The structure is tener + number + años.
  • ¿Cuántos años tienes? (How many years do you have? / How old are you?)
  • Tengo veinte años. (I have twenty years. / I am twenty years old.)
  • Mi hermana tiene treinta años. (My sister has thirty years. / My sister is thirty years old.)
  • Physical Sensations and States: This category is where tener frequently replaces English 'to be.' Spanish treats these sensations or states as something one experiences or holds, rather than something one inherently is. These are often expressed with tener followed by a noun.
  • Tener hambre (to be hungry / to have hunger): Tengo mucha hambre después de correr. (I am very hungry after running.)
  • Tener sed (to be thirsty / to have thirst): ¿Tienes sed? Aquí hay agua. (Are you thirsty? Here is water.)
  • Tener frío (to be cold / to have cold): Siempre tengo frío en invierno. (I am always cold in winter.)
  • Tener calor (to be hot / to have heat): Tenemos calor en el verano. (We are hot in the summer.)
  • Tener sueño (to be sleepy / to have sleepiness): Ellos tienen sueño y quieren dormir. (They are sleepy and want to sleep.)
  • Tener miedo (to be scared / to have fear): ¿Tienes miedo de las alturas? (Are you scared of heights?)
  • Tener prisa (to be in a hurry / to have hurry): Siempre tengo prisa por la mañana. (I am always in a hurry in the morning.)
  • Tener razón (to be right / to have reason): Usted tiene razón, es una buena idea. (You are right, it's a good idea.)
  • Tener ganas de + infinitive (to feel like doing something / to have desire for): Tengo ganas de comer pizza. (I feel like eating pizza.)
  • Obligation (Tener que + Infinitive): The construction tener que followed by an infinitive verb expresses necessity or obligation. This is equivalent to 'to have to' or 'must' in English. The infinitive verb remains unconjugated after que.
  • Tengo que trabajar hasta tarde hoy. (I have to work late today.)
  • Tenemos que estudiar para el examen. (We have to study for the exam.)
  • Tienes que escuchar a tu profesor. (You have to listen to your professor.)
  • Other Idiomatic Expressions: Tener appears in many other common phrases where its meaning might not be immediately obvious from a literal translation.
  • Tener suerte (to be lucky / to have luck): ¡Qué suerte tienes! (How lucky you are!)
  • Tener éxito (to be successful / to have success): Quiero tener éxito en mi carrera. (I want to be successful in my career.)

When Not To Use It

While tener is versatile, it is equally important to understand when its use is inappropriate. Misapplying tener can lead to grammatical errors or convey unintended meanings. Specifically, do not use tener in contexts where English might use 'to have' as an auxiliary verb for past tenses or in situations describing existence or temporary locations.
  • As an Auxiliary Verb for Compound Tenses: In English, 'to have' is used to form perfect tenses (e.g., 'I have eaten'). In Spanish, the verb haber is exclusively used as the auxiliary verb for compound tenses (e.g., he comido, 'I have eaten'). Using tener in this context is incorrect. For example, you cannot say Tengo comido to mean 'I have eaten.' You must use haber.
  • To Express Existence ('There is/are'): Do not use tener to mean 'there is' or 'there are.' For these expressions, Spanish uses the impersonal form hay (from the verb haber). Tener implies possession by a specific subject, whereas hay indicates general existence without a specific owner.
  • Incorrect: Tener muchos libros en la biblioteca.
  • Correct: Hay muchos libros en la biblioteca. (There are many books in the library.)
  • Correct: Tengo muchos libros en mi casa. (I have many books in my house.)
  • To Describe Characteristics with ser: While tener is used for age and some states, it is incorrect to use it to describe inherent or permanent characteristics that would typically use ser. For example, 'I am tall' is Soy alto, not Tengo alto. Similarly, 'I am Spanish' is Soy español, not Tengo español. Tener implies possession or a temporary state, not an identity or inherent quality.
  • To Describe Location with estar: Tener does not describe where something or someone is located. For temporary or variable locations, the verb estar is used. For example, 'The book is on the table' is El libro está en la mesa, not El libro tiene en la mesa.

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently make specific errors when conjugating and applying tener due to its irregularities and conceptual differences from English. Recognizing these pitfalls can significantly accelerate mastery.
  • Using ser or estar for Age: This is perhaps the most common mistake. English speakers instinctively translate 'I am 20 years old' directly. However, in Spanish, ser and estar are incorrect for age. Instead of Soy veinte años or Estoy veinte años, you must use Tengo veinte años. Remember the conceptual shift: you possess years, you don't are them.
  • Forgetting the yo-go Irregularity: Many learners forget the g in the yo form, mistakenly conjugating tener as Yo teno instead of Yo tengo. This is an important, easily identifiable irregularity that applies to a small but crucial group of verbs (e.g., venir, poner, oír). Always reinforce tengo through practice.
  • Missing the Stem Change (e to ie): Overlooking the e to ie stem change in , él/ella/usted, and ellos/ellas/ustedes forms is another frequent error. For instance, Tú tenes is incorrect; it should be Tú tienes. This is a common pattern for many stem-changing verbs, and memorizing the pattern helps avoid these errors across different verbs. Pay attention to the stressed syllable; if the e is stressed, it changes to ie.
  • Confusing tener with haber for Existence: Using tener to express general existence (e.g., 'There are books') instead of the impersonal hay is a common source of confusion. Tener requires a subject that possesses something, whereas hay states that something simply exists. If no specific owner is implied, hay is the correct choice.
  • Using tener for Qualities/Identity: Attempting to use tener for inherent qualities or identity instead of ser is incorrect. For example, Tengo alto (literally 'I have tall') is nonsensical in Spanish when you mean 'I am tall' (Soy alto). Tener always refers to possession or experience, not essential being.

Memory Trick

To consistently remember tener's irregular forms and conceptual uses, visualize the verb as a 'Possession Powerhouse' or a 'Collector's Cache'. Imagine a character who literally collects everything: years, hunger, thirst, ideas, and even obligations.

- Tengo (I have/I collect): Think of the g in tengo as a 'grab' or 'get' sound, indicating direct possession. Yo grabo un libro (I grab a book).

- Tienes (You have/You collect): Visualize the ie as an 'eye' looking intently at what you possess, perhaps even a pair of eyes (ie) belonging to a friend. You 'eye' what you have.

- Age: For age, remember: You have your years, you don't are your years. You've collected them like trophies. Tengo 30 años – 'I have 30 trophies (years)'.

- Sensations: For states like hunger (hambre) or cold (frío), imagine literally holding these feelings. You're carrying hunger, not being hunger. This conceptual shift helps internalize the tener usage for these common expressions.

Real Conversations

Tener is ubiquitous in daily Spanish communication. Observing its use in natural contexts helps to solidify understanding beyond textbook examples. Here are some some examples reflecting modern usage, including casual speech and quick exchanges.

S

Scenario 1

Asking about plans/obligation (casual chat)

- WhatsApp Message: ¿Qué tienes que hacer hoy? (What do you have to do today?)

- Response: Tengo que estudiar para un examen y luego tengo una reunión. (I have to study for an exam and then I have a meeting.)

S

Scenario 2

Describing a physical state (at a cafe)

- Uf, tengo mucho calor aquí. ¿Puedes abrir la ventana? (Ugh, I'm really hot here. Can you open the window?)

- Sí, claro. Yo también tengo sed. ¿Pedimos algo de beber? (Yes, of course. I'm thirsty too. Shall we order something to drink?)

S

Scenario 3

Age and possession (social media bio / introduction)

- Social Media Profile: Estudiante de ingeniería, tengo 22 años y tengo dos gatos. (Engineering student, I'm 22 years old and I have two cats.)

- In-person: Hola, me llamo Elena. ¿Y tú, cuántos años tienes? (Hi, my name is Elena. And you, how old are you?)

These examples demonstrate tener's natural integration into questions about obligations, descriptions of personal comfort, and sharing basic personal information. The fluidity of tener in these contexts is characteristic of native speech.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Distinguishing tener from other verbs that might seem similar, particularly ser, estar, and haber, is crucial for accurate Spanish. Each verb serves distinct grammatical and semantic functions.
1. Tener vs. Ser and Estar (To Be)
| Feature | Tener | Ser | Estar |
| :------------- | :------------------------------------ | :-------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------ |
| Core Meaning | To have, to possess, to experience | To be (essential qualities, identity) | To be (temporary states, location) |
| Age | Always tener + number + años | Never used for age | Never used for age |
| Sensations | Tener + noun (e.g., hambre, frío)| Never used for sensations | Used for some emotional states (cansado), not basic physical sensations with nouns. |
| Obligation | Tener que + infinitive | Never used for obligation | Never used for obligation |
| Examples | Tengo un coche. (I have a car.) | Soy estudiante. (I am a student.) | Estoy cansado. (I am tired.) |
| | Tiene 25 años. (He is 25 years old.) | Es alto. (He is tall.) | Está en casa. (He is at home.) |
| | Tenemos sed. (We are thirsty.) | Son inteligentes. (They are intelligent.)| Estás triste. (You are sad.) |
The key difference lies in the conceptualization: tener describes something you hold or experience, ser describes what something is fundamentally, and estar describes how something is temporarily or where it is located. For an A1 learner, the most important distinction is for age and physical sensations. Always use tener for años, hambre, sed, frío, calor, sueño, and miedo.
2. Tener vs. Haber (To Have/There Is)
| Feature | Tener | Haber (impersonal hay) | Haber (auxiliary verb) |
| :------------- | :--------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- |
| Function | Expresses possession, states, obligation | Expresses existence ('there is/are') | Forms compound tenses ('I have eaten') |
| Subject | Always has a specific subject (Yo tengo) | Impersonal; no specific subject (Hay libros)| Always has a specific subject (Yo he comido)|
| Examples | Tengo un problema. (I have a problem.) | Hay un problema. (There is a problem.) | He comido mucho. (I have eaten a lot.) |
| | ¿Tienes alguna pregunta? (Do you have any questions?)| ¿Hay preguntas? (Are there questions?) | Hemos visto la película. (We have seen the movie.)|
This distinction is crucial. While both can translate to 'to have' in some English contexts, their roles in Spanish are entirely separate. Tener is for personal ownership or experience, haber is for impersonal existence (hay) or for forming perfect tenses. Never interchange them.

Progressive Practice

1

Consistent and varied practice is essential for internalizing the nuances of tener. Start with basic recognition and gradually move towards active production and real-time application.

2

- Flashcards: Create flashcards for each conjugation (tengo, tienes, tiene, etc.) and for common tener idioms (tener hambre, tener sed, tener que). Practice recalling both the Spanish and English meanings.

3

- Sentence Completion: Work through exercises where you fill in the correct form of tener or complete sentences using tener que + infinitive or tener + noun for states. Example: Yo _________ un perro. (Answer: tengo). Nosotros _________ estudiar. (Answer: tenemos que).

4

- Personalization: Formulate sentences about your own life using tener. Describe what you possess, your age, how you feel (Tengo frío), and your daily obligations (Tengo que ir a clase). This makes the grammar personally relevant.

5

- Dialogue Practice: Engage in simple conversations with a language partner or tutor, focusing on asking and answering questions using tener. Practice asking ¿Cuántos años tienes?, ¿Qué tienes que hacer?, or ¿Tienes hambre?.

6

- Listening and Reading: Pay close attention to how native speakers use tener in Spanish media (songs, podcasts, short articles). Notice the contexts, especially for idiomatic expressions and age. This will reinforce patterns naturally.

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Why is it tengo and not teno?

Tener is an irregular verb, specifically a 'yo-go' verb. This means its yo form uniquely ends in -go, a pattern shared by other common irregular verbs like venir (to come) and poner (to put).

  • Q: Can tener be used for 'to have' as in 'I have been to Spain'?

No. In Spanish, 'to have been' (or any perfect tense) requires the auxiliary verb haber, not tener. You would say He estado en España.

  • Q: Is tienes used the same way in all Spanish-speaking countries?

Yes, the singular tú tienes (you have) is universally understood and used in both Spain and Latin America. The primary difference arises in the informal plural 'you all,' where Spain uses vosotros tenéis, while Latin America uses ustedes tienen.

  • Q: How do I say 'I don't have to do something'?

Simply place no before the conjugated form of tener. For example, No tengo que ir (I don't have to go) or No tenemos que trabajar (We don't have to work).

  • Q: What's the difference between Tengo calor and Estoy caliente?

Tener calor means 'to be hot' in the sense of feeling warm due to temperature (e.g., from the weather or exercise). Estoy caliente is generally avoided by learners because it can colloquially mean 'I am sexually aroused' or 'I am angry/heated.' Always use Tener calor for body temperature.

  • Q: When would tener que be replaced by another verb for obligation?

While tener que is common, stronger or more formal obligations might use verbs like deber (should/must). However, for A1 level, tener que is the primary and most versatile way to express 'to have to' or 'must.'

Conjugation of 'Tener' (Present Indicative)

Pronoun Conjugation English
Yo
tengo
I have
tienes
You have
Él/Ella/Usted
tiene
He/She/You have
Nosotros
tenemos
We have
Vosotros
tenéis
You all have
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes
tienen
They/You all have

Meanings

The verb 'tener' is the primary way to express possession of objects, relationships, and physical states or age.

1

Possession

Owning or having something.

“Tengo una casa.”

“Ella tiene un perro.”

2

Age

Expressing how old someone is.

“Tengo veinte años.”

“Mi hermano tiene diez años.”

3

Obligation

Having to do something (tener + que + infinitive).

“Tengo que estudiar.”

“Tienes que comer.”

Reference Table

Reference table for The Verb 'Tener': Having things & Age
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + tener + object
Tengo un coche.
Negative
No + tener + object
No tengo un coche.
Question
¿(Subject) + tener + object?
¿Tienes un coche?
Age
Tener + [number] + años
Tengo 20 años.
Obligation
Tener + que + infinitive
Tengo que estudiar.
Sensation
Tener + noun (hambre/frío)
Tengo hambre.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Tengo una reunión.

Tengo una reunión. (Work)

Neutral
Tengo una reunión.

Tengo una reunión. (Work)

Informal
Tengo una reunión.

Tengo una reunión. (Work)

Slang
Tengo un jale.

Tengo un jale. (Work)

Uses of Tener

Tener

Possession

  • coche car

Age

  • años years

Obligation

  • que that

Sensations

  • hambre hunger

Examples by Level

1

Yo tengo un perro.

I have a dog.

2

¿Tienes un lápiz?

Do you have a pencil?

3

Ella tiene diez años.

She is ten years old.

4

Nosotros tenemos hambre.

We are hungry.

1

Tengo que ir a la escuela.

I have to go to school.

2

Ellos tienen mucho dinero.

They have a lot of money.

3

¿Cuántos años tienes?

How old are you?

4

No tenemos tiempo hoy.

We don't have time today.

1

Tengo miedo de las arañas.

I am afraid of spiders.

2

Tienes mucha suerte.

You are very lucky.

3

Tengo sueño después de comer.

I am sleepy after eating.

4

Tenemos prisa por llegar.

We are in a hurry to arrive.

1

Tengo el trabajo terminado.

I have the work finished.

2

No tengo nada que decir.

I have nothing to say.

3

Tiene mucho que aprender.

He has a lot to learn.

4

Tienen la casa llena de gente.

They have the house full of people.

1

Tengo por seguro que vendrá.

I am sure that he will come.

2

No tengo inconveniente en ayudarte.

I have no objection to helping you.

3

Tiene a su favor la experiencia.

He has experience in his favor.

4

Tengo presente tu consejo.

I keep your advice in mind.

1

Tengo a bien comunicarle la noticia.

I am pleased to inform you of the news.

2

No tengo más remedio que aceptar.

I have no choice but to accept.

3

Tiene la sartén por el mango.

He has the upper hand.

4

Tengo por costumbre leer antes de dormir.

It is my habit to read before sleeping.

Easily Confused

The Verb 'Tener': Having things & Age vs Tener vs Haber

Both can mean 'have' in English, but 'haber' is for existence.

The Verb 'Tener': Having things & Age vs Tener vs Ser (Age)

English uses 'to be' for age.

The Verb 'Tener': Having things & Age vs Tener vs Estar (Sensations)

Learners try to use 'estar' for hunger/thirst.

Common Mistakes

Soy 20 años

Tengo 20 años

Age is expressed with 'tener', not 'ser'.

Yo teno

Yo tengo

The 'yo' form is irregular.

Tengo hambre

Tengo hambre

Correct, but learners often try to use 'ser'.

Tener un libro

Tengo un libro

Must conjugate the verb.

Tengo que estudio

Tengo que estudiar

Must use infinitive after 'que'.

Tenes

Tienes

Forgot the stem change.

Tengo años 20

Tengo 20 años

Word order for age.

Tengo calor

Tengo calor

Correct, but often confused with 'hace calor'.

Tengo miedo de que él viene

Tengo miedo de que él venga

Subjunctive needed.

Tengo una cita

Tengo una cita

Correct, but 'cita' can mean appointment or date.

Tengo por seguro que es verdad

Tengo por seguro que es verdad

Correct, but often misused in formal writing.

Tengo a bien de ir

Tengo a bien ir

No 'de' needed.

Tengo la intención de que lo hace

Tengo la intención de que lo haga

Subjunctive.

Sentence Patterns

Yo ___ ___ años.

Tú ___ un ___.

Nosotros ___ que ___.

Ellos no ___ ___.

Real World Usage

Ordering food very common

Tengo hambre, quiero una pizza.

Job interview common

Tengo experiencia en ventas.

Texting constant

Tengo q irme.

Travel common

Tengo una reserva a nombre de Juan.

Social media common

Tengo el mejor día de mi vida!

Classroom very common

Tengo una pregunta.

💡

Age rule

Always remember: in Spanish, you 'have' years. Never use 'ser'.
⚠️

Stem change

Don't forget the 'ie' change in 'tienes', 'tiene', and 'tienen'.
🎯

Obligation

Use 'tener + que + infinitive' to sound like a native speaker when talking about tasks.
💬

Regional forms

If you are in Argentina, remember 'tenés' instead of 'tienes'.

Smart Tips

Always think 'I have X years' instead of 'I am X years'.

Soy 20 años. Tengo 20 años.

Use 'tener + que + infinitive'.

Tengo estudiar. Tengo que estudiar.

Remember 'tengo' is the only form without the 'ie' change.

Yo tengo. Yo tengo.

The 'nosotros' form never changes the stem.

Nosotros tenemos. Nosotros tenemos.

Pronunciation

/ˈteŋɡo/

G sound

The 'g' in 'tengo' is hard, like in 'go'.

Question

¿Tienes un perro? ↑

Rising intonation at the end for yes/no questions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Tener is like a 'Ten-er'—you have ten fingers to hold things.

Visual Association

Imagine holding a giant number '20' in your hands. You are 'having' the years.

Rhyme

Yo tengo, tú tienes, él tiene también, tener es el verbo que usamos muy bien.

Story

Juan has a dog. Juan is 20 years old. Juan has to walk the dog. He uses 'tener' for all three!

Word Web

tengotienestienetenemostenéistienenañoshambreque

Challenge

Write down 5 things you have in your bag right now using 'Tengo...'

Cultural Notes

In Spain, 'vosotros' is used for 'you all', so 'tenéis' is common.

In most of Latin America, 'ustedes' is used, so 'tienen' is used for 'you all'.

In Argentina, 'vos' is used, leading to 'tenés'.

Comes from the Latin 'tenere', meaning to hold or grasp.

Conversation Starters

¿Cuántos años tienes?

¿Tienes un perro?

¿Qué tienes que hacer hoy?

¿Tienes miedo de algo?

Journal Prompts

Describe your family members and their ages.
List your daily obligations.
Write about a time you were very hungry or tired.
Discuss your goals and what you 'have' to achieve them.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Conjugate 'tener' for 'yo'.

Yo ___ un libro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tengo
The 'yo' form is 'tengo'.
Choose the correct age expression. Multiple Choice

Ella ___ 20 años.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tiene
Age uses 'tener'.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Tú tienes que estudiar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tú tienes que estudiar.
Needs 'que' + infinitive.
Order the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yo tengo hambre
Subject-Verb-Object.
Translate to Spanish. Translation

We have a car.

Answer starts with: Ten...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tenemos un coche
Nosotros form is 'tenemos'.
Match the form to the pronoun. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tienes
Tú matches with tienes.
Conjugate for 'ellos'. Conjugation Drill

Ellos ___ dinero.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tienen
Ellos form is 'tienen'.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: ¿Cuántos años tienes? B: ___ 25 años.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo
Answering for self uses 'tengo'.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Conjugate 'tener' for 'yo'.

Yo ___ un libro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tengo
The 'yo' form is 'tengo'.
Choose the correct age expression. Multiple Choice

Ella ___ 20 años.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tiene
Age uses 'tener'.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Tú tienes que estudiar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tú tienes que estudiar.
Needs 'que' + infinitive.
Order the words. Sentence Reorder

hambre / tengo / yo

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yo tengo hambre
Subject-Verb-Object.
Translate to Spanish. Translation

We have a car.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tenemos un coche
Nosotros form is 'tenemos'.
Match the form to the pronoun. Match Pairs

Tú -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tienes
Tú matches with tienes.
Conjugate for 'ellos'. Conjugation Drill

Ellos ___ dinero.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tienen
Ellos form is 'tienen'.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: ¿Cuántos años tienes? B: ___ 25 años.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo
Answering for self uses 'tengo'.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Complete the sentence. Fill in the Blank

Mis amigos ___ un perro muy grande.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tienen
Translate to Spanish Translation

I have to study.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo que estudiar.
Select the correct formal question. Multiple Choice

Does he/she have the ticket?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ¿Tiene el boleto?
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

hambre / nosotros / mucha / tenemos

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Nosotros tenemos mucha hambre.
Match the pronoun with the conjugation. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yo - tengo
Correct the age sentence. Error Correction

Ella es 15 años.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ella tiene 15 años.
Complete the 'Vosotros' form. Fill in the Blank

¿___ vosotros ganas de fiesta?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tenéis
Which one means 'I am cold'? Multiple Choice

Choose the best answer:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo frío.
Translate 'Do you have a phone?' (informal) Translation

Do you have a phone?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ¿Tienes un teléfono?
Fix the Yo-go form. Error Correction

Yo teno sed.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yo tengo sed.

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Yes, it is a stem-changing verb in the present tense.

No, only for possession, age, and specific idioms.

It is the standard way to express obligation.

No, only for age and physical sensations.

It is 'tenéis', used mainly in Spain.

No, use 'hay' for existence.

Put 'no' before the verb.

It is neutral and used in all registers.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

French high

avoir

Conjugation patterns differ significantly.

German high

haben

German does not use it for sensations like hunger.

Japanese low

motsu

Japanese does not use a single verb for age/possession/obligation.

Arabic low

ind

It is not a verb conjugation.

Chinese moderate

yǒu

Chinese verbs do not conjugate for person.

Spanish high

tener

None.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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