Idiomatic expressions with verb 'tener' in Spanish

The verb tener primarily means “to have” and is used to express possession, much as in English.

For example:

• Tengo un libro. — I have a book.
• Él tiene una casa. — He has a house.

However, tener is also used in many fixed expressions that do not translate literally into English. These expressions are commonly called expresiones idiomáticas con tener.

Common examples include:

• tener sed — to be thirsty
• tener hambre — to be hungry
• tener frío — to be cold
• tener calor — to be hot

In these expressions, tener describes a physical feeling or state rather than possession. Spanish uses tener where English often uses to be.

Other common expressions include:

• tener prisa — to be in a hurry
• tener razón — to be right
• tener suerte — to be lucky
• tener miedo — to be afraid

These constructions make tener an essential verb for expressing needs, feelings, and other states in Spanish.

Idiomatic expressions are fixed phrases whose meaning cannot always be understood by translating each word literally. Learning them is important because native speakers use them frequently, and they make communication more natural and precise.

In Spanish, many common expressions use tener, which means “to have” when it expresses possession but often corresponds to to be in these expressions.

• tener hambre — to be hungry
• tener sed — to be thirsty
• tener prisa — to be in a hurry

Translating these expressions word for word can sound unnatural in English. For example, tener hambre literally suggests “to have hunger,” but its natural English meaning is “to be hungry.”

Using these expressions accurately helps learners understand the differences between Spanish and English and communicate more naturally. It also reflects an understanding of common Spanish usage rather than relying only on literal translations.

Expressions with tener follow several useful patterns. Although tener means “to have” in possession statements, its meaning in a fixed expression depends on the expression.

Tener + noun

This pattern is used in many expressions for physical states, feelings, and circumstances. The verb tener must agree with the subject.

Tener que + infinitive

The structure tener que + infinitive expresses obligation or necessity. The conjugated form of tener agrees with the subject, while the second verb remains in the infinitive.

Expression	Meaning in English
tener que estudiar	to have to study
tener que trabajar	to have to work
tener que irse	to have to leave

Tener + number + años

Spanish expresses age with tener + number + años, not with ser. The number changes according to the person’s age.

Expression	Meaning in English
tener 20 años	to be 20 years old
tener 30 años	to be 30 years old

Conjugate tener according to the subject in all of these patterns: tengo hambre means “I am hungry,” while tienen que trabajar means “they have to work.”

Spanish uses tener in many common expressions for physical sensations, emotions, circumstances, and other states. The natural English translation often uses to be rather than to have.

• tener hambre: to be hungry. Used to express a need or desire to eat. Tengo hambre. — I am hungry.
• tener sed: to be thirsty. Used to indicate a need for something to drink. Tengo sed. — I am thirsty.
• tener frío: to be cold. Used to express feeling cold, often because of the temperature or surroundings. Tengo frío. — I am cold.
• tener calor: to be hot. Used to indicate that someone feels hot, for example because of the weather or physical activity. Tengo calor. — I am hot.
• tener suerte: to be lucky. Used when talking about good or bad fortune. Tengo suerte. — I am lucky.
• tener prisa: to be in a hurry. Used to express urgency or the need to rush. Tengo prisa. — I am in a hurry.
• tener miedo: to be afraid. Used to express fear of something or someone. Tengo miedo. — I am afraid.
• tener razón: to be right. Used to confirm that someone’s statement or opinion is correct. Tienes razón. — You are right.
• tener cuidado: to be careful. Used as a warning or advice to pay attention and avoid danger. Ten cuidado. — Be careful.
• tener éxito: to be successful or to succeed. Used to describe achieving success in work, projects, or other goals. Tengo éxito. — I am successful.