tener razón
Lemma Details
Translation: to be right; to be correct
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'tener' (to have) and 'razón' (reason). 'Razón' comes from Latin 'ratio' (calculation, reason, account), which also gave English words like 'rational' and 'ratio'. The construction literally means 'to have reason', but is used idiomatically to mean 'to be right/correct'. This reflects the conceptual metaphor of rightness as possession of reason or logic.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'tener razón' as 'having reason on your side' - when you're right, you have reason backing you up.
- Connect 'razón' with 'rational' in English - when you're being rational, you're right.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is extremely common in everyday Spanish conversation. It's used to acknowledge someone's correctness or to assert one's own. The phrase is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without causing offense.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'tener razón' (without the article) means 'to be right', 'tener la razón' (with the article) can sometimes imply being self-righteous or insisting on being right.
Notes: The distinction is subtle and not always observed in all Spanish-speaking regions.
Mnemonic: No article = neutral statement; with article = can imply stubbornness
Explanation: 'Tener razón' means 'to be right' while 'dar razones' means 'to give reasons' or 'to explain'.
Notes: Both phrases use 'razón' but in different constructions with different meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Tener' (have) reason = possess correctness; 'dar' (give) reasons = provide explanations