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When Not To Use "To Be" but Tener in Spanish



In Spanish, the verb "tener" (to have) is often used in expressions where in English we would use forms of "to be." Understanding when to use "tener" instead of "ser o estar" can greatly enhance your fluency and naturalness in Spanish. Let's explore 13 common expressions where "tener" is the preferred verb.


But before, if you would like to practise when to use Ser and Estar and their general uses, download the FREE GUIDE below, that we have prepared for you. It has examples, exercises, and the key answers to the activities.




Here we go:


1. Tener frío / Tener calor

  • Incorrect: Estoy frío. / Estoy caliente.

  • Correct: Tengo frío. / Tengo calor.



2. Tener sueño (to be sleepy)

  • Incorrect: Soy sueño.

  • Correct: Tengo sueño.


3. Tener prisa (to be in a hurry)

  • Incorrect: Soy prisa.

  • Correct: Tengo prisa.


4. Tener suerte / Tener mala suerte (to be lucky/ to be unlucky)

  • Incorrect: Soy suerte.

  • Correct: Tengo suerte / Tengo mala suerte.


5. Tener miedo (to be afraid or scared)

  • Incorrect: Soy miedo.

  • Correct: Tengo miedo.




6. Tener éxito (to be successful)

  • Incorrect: Soy éxito.

  • Correct: Tener éxito.


7. Tener hambre / Tener sed (hungry or thirsty)

  • Incorrect: Soy hambre. / Soy sed.

  • Correct: Tengo hambre. / Tengo sed.


8. Tener mal humor / Tener buen humor (being in a bad or good mood)

  • Incorrect: Soy mal humor. / Soy buen humor.

  • Correct: Tener mal humor. / Tener buen humor.


9. Tener un resfriado / Tener un constipado (to be sick)

  • Incorrect: Soy resfriado. / Soy constipado.

  • Correct: Tener un resfriado. / Tener un constipado.


10. Tener ganas de (to be looking forward to something)

  • Incorrect: Soy ganas de.

  • Correct: Tener ganas de.





11. Tener cuidado (to be careful)

  • Incorrect: Soy cuidado.

  • Correct: Tener cuidado.


12. Tener razón (to be right)

  • Incorrect: Soy razón.

  • Correct: Tener razón.


13. Tener + edad

  • Incorrect: Soy 30 años.

Correct: Tengo 30 años.


Last but not least, we are here to guide you throughout your journey. Check out our Spanish courses, Conversational classes and Book Clubs in Spanish.

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Text: Paula Ruiz

Editing: Paula Ruiz

Pictures: Wix, Paula Ruiz




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