As mentioned, tener is used in Spanish at times when 'to be' would be used in English. Normally, tener is used to express age, basic needs, and some states of being. Here is a list of expressions that are commonly used with tener. Mi padre tiene cincuenta años.
What are the four uses of tener?
Tener has many different uses.
- Tengo veintisiete años. ( expressing age) ...
- Yo tengo dos perros. ( expressing possession) ...
- Yo tengo que aprender las palabras. ( expressing obligation) ...
- Yo tengo dolor de cuello. ( expressing feelings) ...
- Tengo ganas de dormir. ( expressing desire to do something)
How do you use tener in a sentence?
Let's Practice Spanish Expressions with 'Tener'
- She is 89 years old and she is always right.
- My cousins are very tired and hungry.
- We are not thirsty, we are just hungry.
- She thinks she is always right, but she is wrong.
- You are always so lucky, I can't believe it!
- At night, my little brother is always very sleepy.
