A1 · Everyday structures
Expresiones con tener
A short list that removes a large share of beginner errors, because every item in it is something you say daily and every one of them tempts you into estar. Tener also builds the most useful obligation structure in the language.
States you have
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| tener hambre | to be hungry |
| tener sed | to be thirsty |
| tener frío | to be cold |
| tener calor | to be hot |
| tener sueño | to be sleepy |
| tener prisa | to be in a hurry |
| tener miedo | to be afraid |
| tener razón | to be right |
| tener suerte | to be lucky |
| tener ganas de | to feel like |
Why the intensifier is mucho
What follows tener is a noun, so it takes mucho and agrees with it. Tengo muy hambre is the single most common version of this mistake.
- Tengo mucha hambre.I am very hungry.
- Tenemos mucho frío.We are very cold.
Age
Spanish has years rather than being them, and the word años is never left out.
- Tengo veintiocho años.I am twenty-eight.
- ¿Cuántos años tienes?How old are you?
Tener que and hay que
Tener que plus an infinitive is personal obligation: I have to. Hay que is general: one has to, it must be done. Both are everywhere.
- Tengo que trabajar mañana.I have to work tomorrow.
- Hay que llegar temprano.You have to arrive early. · general rule
- Tienes que ver esa película.You have to see that film.
Mistakes to avoid
Estoy hambre.
Tengo hambre.
Hunger is something you have.
Tengo muy sed.
Tengo mucha sed.
Sed is a noun, so mucha.
Tengo veinte.
Tengo veinte años.
Años is never dropped.
Try it
___ mucha hambre.
Tengo ___ frío.
___ que salir temprano mañana.
¿Cuántos ___ tienes?