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Italian • Level 1 • GRAMMAR

irregular present (4)

💡 Grammar Rule

The Italian Verb: Tenere

In Italian, the verb tenere is essential for expressing more than just owning something. While it is often translated as "to keep" or "to hold," its usage is distinct from the verb avere (to have).

1. Present Indicative Conjugation

Tenere is an irregular verb. Notice the "g" that appears in the first person singular and third person plural, and the vowel change (e to ie) in the "tu," "lui/lei," and "loro" forms.

  • Io tengo (I hold/keep)
  • Tu tieni (You hold/keep)
  • Lui/Lei tiene (He/She holds/keeps)
  • Noi teniamo (We hold/keep)
  • Voi tenete (You all hold/keep)
  • Loro tengono (They hold/keep)

2. Tenere vs. Avere

The main difference lies in possession vs. maintenance:

  • Avere: Used for ownership or belonging.
    Claudio ha un quaderno grande. (Claudio has a big notebook.)
  • Tenere: Used for holding, maintaining, or controlling something over time.
    Claudio tiene un quaderno grande. (Claudio keeps/is holding a big notebook.)

3. Common Usages

A. Physical or Spatial Maintenance
To describe keeping something in a specific state or position.
Guido tiene sempre la finestra aperta. (Guido always keeps the window open.)
Tiene la porta chiusa. (He/She keeps the door closed.)

B. Temporary Holding
Often used when asking someone to hold something for a moment.
Tieni un momento questo libro. (Hold this book for a moment.)

C. Abstract Control and Idioms
Used for mental or emotional maintenance.
Non posso tenere gli occhi aperti. (I can't keep my eyes open.)
Tenere a mente. (To keep in mind.)
Tenere sotto controllo. (To keep under control.)

Summary: Use tenere when you want to emphasize active, sustained involvement with an object or a situation, rather than just stating that it belongs to you.

Do you hold this package for a moment?
Tieni questo pacco per un momento?
Sure, give it to me.
Certo, dammelo.
I always keep the keys in my bag.
Tengo sempre le chiavi in borsa.
That’s a good idea so you don’t lose them.
È una buona idea per non perderle.
Does he keep the window open?
Lui tiene la finestra aperta?
Yes, because it’s very hot.
Sì, perché fa molto caldo.
Do we keep the door closed?
Teniamo la porta chiusa?
Yes, a lot of wind is coming in.
Sì, entra molto vento.
Do you all keep the books on the table?
Voi tenete i libri sul tavolo?
No, we put them on the bookshelf.
No, li mettiamo nella libreria.
They keep the garden very beautiful.
Loro tengono il giardino molto bello.
Yes, they work on it a lot.
Sì, ci lavorano molto.
Do you keep everything under control?
Lei tiene tutto sotto controllo?
I try to do my best.
Provo a fare del mio meglio.
I can’t keep my eyes open.
Non posso tenere gli occhi aperti.
You’re very tired, go to sleep.
Sei molto stanco, vai a dormire.
Do you still keep my old sweater?
Tieni ancora il mio vecchio maglione?
Yes, it’s very comfortable and warm.
Sì, è molto comodo e caldo.
Marco always holds Giulia’s hand.
Marco tiene sempre la mano a Giulia.
They are a very sweet couple.
Sono una coppia molto dolce.
Keep the change, please.
Tieni il resto, per favore.
Thank you very much, you’re very kind.
Grazie mille, sei molto gentile.
Do you all have the tickets for us?
Tenete i biglietti per noi?
Yes, we have them here in the backpack.
Sì, li abbiamo qui nello zaino.
I keep the coffee in this cupboard.
Tengo il caffè in questo armadio.
Thanks, now I know where to look for it.
Grazie, ora so dove cercarlo.
Why do they keep the lights on?
Perché tengono le luci accese?
Because they are afraid of the dark.
Perché hanno paura del buio.
Keep the appointment tomorrow in mind.
Tenete a mente l'appuntamento di domani.
You’re right, we mustn’t forget.
Hai ragione, non dobbiamo dimenticare.
Are you keeping your eyes closed for the surprise?
Tieni gli occhi chiusi per la sorpresa?
Yes, I don’t see anything!
Sì, non vedo nulla!
Does she keep the dog in the garden?
Lei tiene il cane in giardino?
Yes, he has a lot of space there.
Sì, lì ha molto spazio.
We keep the pace of the others.
Teniamo il passo degli altri.
Good, that way we arrive on time.
Bene, così arriviamo in tempo.
They never keep a secret.
Loro non tengono mai un segreto.
I know, they tell everything to everyone.
Lo so, dicono tutto a tutti.
I hold your hand if you’re afraid.
Ti tengo la mano se hai paura.
Thanks, I feel calmer.
Grazie, mi sento più tranquilla.
Are you keeping the seat for your friend?
Lei tiene il posto per la sua amica?
Yes, she’s arriving in a minute.
Sì, lei arriva tra un minuto.
Paolo holds the umbrella for Maria.
Paolo tiene l'ombrello per Maria.
It's a very kind gesture.
È un gesto molto gentile.
Do you always keep your promises?
Tieni sempre le tue promesse?
Of course, I’m an honest person.
Certamente, sono una persona onesta.
Where do they keep the money?
Dove tengono i soldi?
They keep it in the bank.
Lo tengono in banca.
Do you all keep the kitchen clean?
Tenete la cucina pulita?
Yes, we clean every day.
Sì, puliamo ogni giorno.

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