The verb TENER (to have) is one of the most fundamental and frequently used verbs in the Spanish language. While its primary meaning is “to have,” it extends far beyond possession to express age, obligations, sensations, and many common idiomatic expressions. For any student, especially those preparing for the DELE A1 exam, mastering tener is absolutely essential.
This guide will break down everything you need to know: from its conjugation in the present tense to its most important uses, complete with clear examples and translations. After reading, test your knowledge with our interactive DELE A1 TENER Quiz!
Conjugation of TENER in the Present Tense
First, let’s learn how to conjugate tener. Unlike regular verbs, tener is irregular in the present tense (except for nosotros and vosotros). Here is the complete conjugation table:
| Spanish Pronoun | Conjugation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | tengo | I have |
| Tú | tienes | You have (informal) |
| Él / Ella / Usted | tiene | He/She has, You have (formal) |
| Nosotros / Nosotras | tenemos | We have |
| Vosotros / Vosotras | tenéis | You all have (Spain, informal) |
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes | tienen | They have, You all have (formal) |
Example Sentences:
- Yo tengo un libro interesante. (I have an interesting book.)
- Ella tiene una idea brillante. (She has a brilliant idea.)
- Nosotros tenemos una reunión a las tres. (We have a meeting at three.)
- ¿Ustedes tienen hambre? (Are you all hungry?)
The 5 Main Uses of the Verb TENER
Understanding when to use tener is just as important as knowing how to conjugate it. Here are its five primary uses.
1. Expressing Possession
This is the most direct translation of “to have.” It indicates ownership of objects, relationships, or characteristics.
- Tengo un perro y un gato. (I have a dog and a cat.)
- ¿Tienes hermanos? (Do you have any siblings?)
- Ella tiene el pelo largo. (She has long hair.)
- Esta casa tiene tres habitaciones. (This house has three bedrooms.)
2. Telling Age
In Spanish, you don’t use the verb “to be” (ser) for age. Instead, you use the phrase “tener + número + años” (to have + number + years).
- Tengo veinticinco años. (I am twenty-five years old.)
- Mi abuela tiene ochenta años. (My grandmother is eighty years old.)
- ¿Cuántos años tienes? (How old are you?)
3. Expressing Obligations with “Tener que”
The formula “tener que + infinitive” is used to express something you have to or must do.
- Tengo que estudiar para el examen. (I have to study for the exam.)
- Tenemos que ir al supermercado. (We have to go to the supermarket.)
- Ella tiene que trabajar mañana. (She has to work tomorrow.)
4. Describing Physical States and Sensations
This is a key difference from English. Instead of saying “I am hungry,” Spanish uses tener to describe these common physical feelings.
| Spanish Expression | Literal Meaning | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| tener hambre | to have hunger | to be hungry |
| tener sed | to have thirst | to be thirsty |
| tener sueño | to have sleep | to be sleepy |
| tener frío | to have cold | to be cold |
| tener calor | to have heat | to be hot |
| tener miedo | to have fear | to be afraid |
| tener prisa | to have hurry | to be in a hurry |
| tener razón | to have reason | to be right |
| tener cuidado | to have care | to be careful |
Example Sentences:
- Tengo mucha hambre. ¿Vamos a comer? (I am very hungry. Shall we go eat?)
- Después de correr, siempre tengo sed. (After running, I am always thirsty.)
- ¡Ten cuidado! El piso está mojado. (Be careful! The floor is wet.)
- Ellos tienen frío porque está nevando. (They are cold because it is snowing.)
5. Other Common Expressions with TENER
- tener lugar – to take place
- La boda tiene lugar en junio. (The wedding takes place in June.)
- tener éxito – to be successful
- Espero que tengas éxito en tu nuevo trabajo. (I hope you are successful in your new job.)
- tener ganas de – to feel like (doing something)
- Tengo ganas de ver una película. (I feel like watching a movie.)
Ready to Test Your Knowledge?
Reading and understanding the rules is the first step. The real mastery comes with practice!
Now that you’ve learned the conjugation and uses of the verb TENER, put your knowledge to the test. We have created a dedicated quiz to help you prepare for the DELE A1 exam and solidify your understanding.
Click the link below to take the interactive quiz and get immediate feedback on your answers!
➡️ Take the DELE A1 TENER Quiz Now!
A Final Note: TENER vs. HABER
Beginners often confuse tener with haber (another verb that can mean “to have”). Remember this simple rule:
- Use TENER for possession and all the expressions listed above.
- Use HABER exclusively as an auxiliary verb in compound tenses (e.g., He comido – I have eaten).
We hope this guide has been helpful. ¡Mucha suerte! (Good luck!)
