tener
Lemma Details
Translation: to have; to hold; to possess; to own
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Tener comes from Latin 'tenere' meaning 'to hold, to keep, to maintain'. This Latin root also gave English words like 'tenant' (one who holds or possesses property), 'tenure' (the holding of a position), 'tenable' (capable of being held or defended), and 'tenacious' (holding firmly). The evolution from Latin 'tenere' to Spanish 'tener' shows a typical sound change pattern in Romance languages.
Commonality: 98%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'tenant' in English - someone who 'has' or holds a property.
- The phrase 'tenure' in English (holding a position) can help remember 'tener' means to have or hold.
- For the irregular forms like 'tuve' (I had), think of 'I took what I had'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Tener is one of the most fundamental verbs in Spanish. Unlike English, Spanish uses 'tener' in many expressions where English would use 'to be', especially for expressing physical or emotional states (tener hambre = to be hungry, tener frío = to be cold).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'tener' means 'to have' in the sense of possession, 'haber' is used as an auxiliary verb (have done) or to indicate existence (there is/are).
This word:
Tengo un coche.
I have a car.
Confused word:
He comido.
I have eaten.
Notes: Haber is used in perfect tenses (he comido = I have eaten) while tener expresses possession (tengo hambre = I am hungry).
Mnemonic: Tener is for tangible possession, haber helps other verbs.
Explanation: English often uses 'to be' where Spanish uses 'tener', especially for physical or emotional states.
This word:
Tengo frío.
I am cold.
Confused word:
Estoy en casa.
I am at home.
Notes: Many emotional and physical states use tener in Spanish: tener hambre (to be hungry), tener sed (to be thirsty), tener miedo (to be afraid), tener calor (to be hot), etc.
Mnemonic: Tener for feelings that you 'have', estar for states or locations.