Language/Spanish/Grammar/Tener

The use of "Tener" (to have)

Use of "Tener" to express feelings or sensations

• In English, we use TO BE + ADJECTIVE.

Tengo hambre (I'm hungry). It's less common to say: Estoy hambriento (like in English).

• In Spanish we use TENER + NAME

Tengo frío (I'm cold); tengo sueño (I'm sleepy).

Use of "Tener" to say your age

• In English, they use "to be": I'm 22 (years old).

• In Spanish, we say "Tengo 20 (años)".

Use of "Tener" to express possession

• Tengo una casa (I have a house).

Use of "Tener" to manifest obligation

• Tengo que estudiar (I have to study).