In Spanish, the verb "tener" means "to have" in English.

This verb is a bit special and is used a lot in everyday talking. You'll hear it in many common phrases.

This article will show you some of the most popular phrases with "tener." It will help you learn new words and understand Spanish grammar better.

Common Phrases with "Tener"

1. Tener hambre

   • Meaning: To be hungry
   • Example: Tengo hambre. (I am hungry.)
   • When to use: Say this when you need food.

2. Tener sed

   • Meaning: To be thirsty
   • Example: Tienes sed. (You are thirsty.)
   • When to use: Use this when you want something to drink.

3. Tener prisa

   • Meaning: To be in a hurry
   • Example: Ella tiene prisa. (She is in a hurry.)
   • When to use: Say this when you need to rush or get somewhere fast.

4. Tener sueño

   • Meaning: To be sleepy
   • Example: Tengo sueño. (I am sleepy.)
   • When to use: Use this when you feel tired and want to sleep.

5. Tener miedo

   • Meaning: To be afraid
   • Example: Ellos tienen miedo. (They are afraid.)
   • When to use: Say this when you feel scared.

6. Tener razón

   • Meaning: To be right
   • Example: Tienes razón. (You are right.)
   • When to use: Use this when you agree with someone.

7. Tener éxito

   • Meaning: To be successful
   • Example: Juan tiene éxito. (Juan is successful.)
   • When to use: Say this when someone has reached their goals.

8. Tener calor

   • Meaning: To be hot
   • Example: Tengo calor. (I am hot.)
   • When to use: Use this when you're feeling warm.

Conjugation of "Tener"

It’s important to know how to change "tener" based on who you are talking about. Here’s how to use "tener" in the present tense:

• Yo tengo (I have)
• Tú tienes (You have - informal)
• Él/Ella/Usted tiene (He/She/You - formal has)
• Nosotros/as tenemos (We have)
• Vosotros/as tenéis (You all have - informal, used in Spain)
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes tienen (They/You all have)

Example Sentences Using "Tener" Phrases

1. Tengo hambre y quiero pizza.
   (I am hungry and want pizza.)

2. ¿Tienes sed? Vamos a comprar agua.
   (Are you thirsty? Let’s get some water.)

3. Siempre tengo prisa por la mañana.
   (I am always in a hurry in the morning.)

4. Hoy tengo sueño porque no dormí bien.
   (Today I am sleepy because I didn’t sleep well.)

Practice

Now that you know these phrases, try making your own sentences with "tener."

Doing this will help you learn and feel more comfortable using this important verb in conversations.

Remember, getting good at "tener" will help boost your Spanish skills!