The Verb Tener

The verb tener

The verb tener

The verb tener is used to show relationship or possession. Tengo un hermano mayor. Tenemos un regalo para Tere. I have an older brother. We have a gift for Tere.

Some expressions in Spanish use tener where English uses to be.

Mi primo tiene diecisis aos. Tengo hambre y sed.

My cousin is sixteen years old. I am hungry and thirsty.

The verb tener

Here are all the present-tense forms of tener:

(yo) (t)

tengo tienes

(nosotros) tenemos (nosotras) (vosotros) (vosotras) tenis Uds. (ellos) (ellas)

Ud. (l) tiene (ella)

tienen