← Spanish (Spain)
Spanish (Spain) • Level 1 • GRAMMAR

tener (expressions)

💡 Grammar Rule

Idiomatic Expressions with "Tener"

The verb tener literally means "to have" (to possess). However, in Spanish, it is frequently used in idiomatic expressions where English would typically use the verb "to be" (am, is, are). These expressions are fixed phrases and must be learned as complete units.

1. Expressing Obligation

To express that someone has to do something, Spanish uses a specific formula. This is very common for expressing necessity.

  • Tener que + infinitive verb
    Example: Tenemos que salir ahora. (We have to leave now.)

2. Physical and Emotional States

Many physical sensations and feelings are treated as "nouns" that a person possesses, rather than adjectives that describe them. Therefore, you do not say you "are" hungry; you say you "have" hunger.

  • Tener frío – To be cold (literally: "to have coldness")
    Example: Si no te pones el abrigo, vas a tener frío. (If you don't put on your coat, you are going to be cold.)
  • Tener calor – To be hot
    Example: Abro la ventana porque tengo calor. (I'm opening the window because I am hot.)
  • Tener hambre – To be hungry (literally: "to have hunger")
    Example: ¿Tenéis hambre? Vamos a comer. (Are you guys hungry? Let's go eat.)
  • Tener sed – To be thirsty
    Example: Después de correr, siempre tengo mucha sed. (After running, I am always very thirsty.)
  • Tener miedo – To be afraid/scared
    Example: El niño tiene miedo de la oscuridad. (The child is afraid of the dark.)
  • Tener prisa – To be in a hurry
    Example: No puedo hablar ahora, tengo prisa. (I can't talk right now, I am in a hurry.)
  • Tener razón – To be right (correct)
    Example: Ella tiene razón sobre el precio. (She is right about the price.)

3. Other Common Idioms

There are several other fixed expressions that use tener to describe specific situations or concepts.

  • Tener la culpa (de) – To be to blame (for) / To be at fault
    Example: No te enfades, yo no tengo la culpa. (Don't get angry, I am not to blame.)
  • Tener lugar – To take place / To occur
    Example: La reunión tendrá lugar en Madrid. (The meeting will take place in Madrid.)
Are you cold?
¿Tienes frío?
Yes, please close the window.
Sí, cierra la ventana, por favor.
We have to study a lot.
Tenemos que estudiar mucho.
Yes, the exam is difficult.
Sí, el examen es difícil.
I am very hungry.
Tengo mucha hambre.
Do you want an apple?
¿Quieres una manzana?
How old is your sister?
¿Cuántos años tiene tu hermana?
She is twenty-five years old.
Tiene veinticinco años.
Are you in a hurry?
¿Tienes prisa?
Yes, the train leaves in ten minutes.
Sí, el tren sale en diez minutos.
Who is right?
¿Quién tiene razón?
Ana is right.
Ana tiene razón.
I am very sleepy.
Tengo mucho sueño.
You have to sleep more.
Tienes que dormir más.
Is the child afraid?
¿Tiene miedo el niño?
Yes, he is afraid of dogs.
Sí, tiene miedo de los perros.
I am thirsty.
Tengo sed.
There is water in the kitchen.
Hay agua en la cocina.
When does the party take place?
¿Cuándo tiene lugar la fiesta?
It is on Saturday night.
Es el sábado por la noche.
It is not my fault.
No tengo la culpa.
I know, don’t worry.
Lo sé, no te preocupes.
Are you guys hot?
¿Tenéis calor?
Yes, it is very sunny today.
Sí, hace mucho sol hoy.
Do you feel like walking?
¿Tienes ganas de caminar?
No, I am tired.
No, estoy cansado.
Be careful with that box.
Ten cuidado con esa caja.
Okay, I have it.
Vale, la tengo.
He is very lucky.
Él tiene mucha suerte.
Yes, he always wins.
Sí, siempre gana.
Do they have to leave now?
¿Tienen que salir ellos ahora?
Yes, it is late.
Sí, es tarde.
You are absolutely right.
Tienes toda la razón.
Thank you very much.
Muchas gracias.
Does she have the flu?
¿Tiene gripe ella?
Yes, she has a fever and is cold.
Sí, tiene fiebre y tiene frío.
We are in a hurry to get to the cinema.
Tenemos prisa para llegar al cine.
Take a taxi.
Coged un taxi.
Who is to blame for the error?
¿Quién tiene la culpa del error?
Nobody is to blame.
Nadie tiene la culpa.
I feel like eating pizza.
Tengo ganas de comer pizza.
Me too, I’m very hungry.
Yo también, tengo mucha hambre.
Do you all have to work tomorrow?
¿Tenéis que trabajar mañana?
No, tomorrow is a holiday.
No, mañana es festivo.
Are the tourists afraid?
¿Tienen miedo los turistas?
No, they are calm.
No, están tranquilos.
How old are your grandparents?
¿Cuántos años tienen tus abuelos?
They are eighty years old.
Tienen ochenta años.
I am very thirsty after running.
Tengo mucha sed después de correr.
Drink this water.
Bebe este agua.

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