Say “we have” in Spanish using tenemos. You can use this verb to discuss your common possessions, some feelings in Spanish, and even obligations, with the phrase tenemos que (we have to).
Tenemos is a form of the verb tener (to have). Tener is one of the most versatile and common Spanish verbs. Learn its irregular conjugation and how to use it in a range of contexts in Spanish.
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The simplest way to say ‘we have’ in Spanish
If you’re listing possessions or checking items off a list, use tenemos to translate “we have” plus a Spanish noun. If you’re preparing for an event, you can work with your team to take inventory of what you already have.
- Tenemos cuatro tazas. = We have four mugs.
- Tenemos cinco sándwiches. = We have five sandwiches.
- ¿Cuántos platos tenemos? = How many plates do we have?
- Tenemos veinticuatro. = We have 24.
Say “we have” in Spanish with non-tangible nouns as well.
- Tenemos un problema. = We have a problem.
- ¿Tienen preguntas? = Do you have questions?
- Sí, tenemos preguntas. = Yes, we have questions.
When to include nosotros/nosotras
In the above examples, the Spanish subject pronoun nosotros/nosotras (we) is omitted, but known because of the form of the verb tener. You can also include either nosotros or nosotras for clarity or emphasis. Nosotras is used for exclusively female groups, whereas nosotros can include any group that includes at least one man or boy.
- Nosotros tenemos manzanas. = We have apples.
- Nosotras tenemos boletos. = We have tickets.
Say tenemos to discuss family members
Use tenemos to discuss your mutual family members, such as a couple talking about their children.
- Tenemos dos hijos. = We have two children.
- Tenemos un hijo y tres hijas. = We have a son and three daughters.
Use tenemos to express some feelings in Spanish
Sometimes the most natural-sounding English translation of tenemos is going to be “we are” instead of “we have” in Spanish. This is because Spanish uses tener to express certain feelings like being hot, cold, hungry, or thirsty. Make sure everyone in your group is comfortable, and figure out when it’s time to stop for a bite to eat by discussing these basic feelings in Spanish.
- ¿Ustedes tienen frío? = Are you cold?
- No. No tenemos frío. = No, we are not cold.
- ¿Ustedes tienen calor? = Are you hot?
- Sí. Tenemos calor. = Yes, we are hot.
- ¿Ustedes tienen sed? = Are you thirsty?
- No. No tenemos sed. = No, we aren’t thirsty.
Use tenemos que to express obligations
One use of tener is to express what someone “has to” or is obligated to do. To say “we have to” in Spanish, use tenemos que. This way you can give your legitimate reasons, or even made-up excuses, for declining an activity.
- Tenemos que trabajar hoy. = We have to work today.
- Tenemos que estudiar mañana. = We have to study tomorrow.
Tener conjugation chart
Go beyond how to say “we have” in Spanish and learn the forms of “have” in Spanish or “has” for other subject pronouns in Spanish. The verb tener in the present tense should be one of the first irregular verbs you master.
tener (to have) present tense
| yo tengo | I have | nosotros tenemos | we have |
| tú tienes | you have (informal) | vosotros tenéis | you have (informal, plural – Spain only) |
| él/ella tieneusted tiene | he/she hasyou have (formal) | ellos/ellas tienenustedes tienen | they haveyou have (plural) |
Learn to say tener in other tenses to form future thoughts like tendremos (we will have) in Spanish or to use the imperfect past tense to say teníamos (we used to have).
Master the verb ‘to have’ in Spanish in all its forms
Forms of “have” in Spanish are a part of authentic conversations of all kinds, from asking “Can I have” in Spanish to “Do you have” in Spanish. Memorizing grammar rules for each and every one of those phrases and tenses is not as interesting (or effective) as learning the phrases as functional chunks of language within authentic contexts.
Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion method shows you how these phrases are commonly used to shop, dine, visit, and meet new people. You’ll make progress from day one, so that you can communicate with confidence.
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