🇪🇸 How to say

“to have” in Spanish

tener
Illustration of "to have" in a Spanish cultural setting
A person holding a set of keys in their hand, smiling as they unlock the front door of their home after a long day, feeling the familiar weight and security of ownership.

Usage note

Tener is used for possession, age, and obligations—like saying 'I have to' (tengo que). It's one of the most common verbs in Spanish, so master it early!

Examples

  • Tengo un perro.

    I have a dog.

  • Ella tiene dos hermanos.

    She has two brothers.

  • Tenemos clase a las ocho.

    We have class at eight.

Quick check

What does "tener" mean?

  • A. to have
  • B. to say
  • C. to use
  • D. to try

First quiz is free.

Want more?

SimpleLits Pro unlocks alternate example sentences, audio pronunciation, the full quiz pack, and save-to-deck spaced repetition.

See Pro plans

Also see