Uses of the verb TENER in Spanish

In this post we are going to see the different uses of the verb TENER in Spanish, one of the most important verbs in this language, since it has several uses. If you want to see how this verb is used in context, see some sentences in Spanish with the verb tener.

What is the verb tener used for?

In Spanish the verb tener means “to have”. In this language it is an irregular verb and is commonly used in various contexts.

Here are some aspects of how tener is used in the language:

1. Possession: it indicates ownership or possession of objects, people or qualities.
   • Example: Tengo un coche (I have a car). → object (coche)
   • Example: Tengo un hermano (I have a brother). → people (hermano)
   • Example: Tú tienes mucha paciencia para enseñar (You have a lot of patience to teach) → quality (paciencia)
     
     
2. Age: the verb tener is often used to express age.
   • Example: Ella tiene veinte años (She is twenty years old).
     
     
3. Obligation: Tener + que is used to express obligation or necessity.
   • Example: Tengo que estudiar (I have to study).
     
     
4. States or conditions: it can describe physical or emotional states.
   • Example: Tengo hambre (I am hungry).
     
     
5. Idiomatic expressions: “Tener” is part of many idiomatic expressions in Spanish.
   • Example: Tener razón (to be right) or Tener miedo (to be afraid).

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