Memorize “Tener” conjugations in the Present Tense effortlessly. Our unique loop-based audio helps you absorb verb forms naturally—just like native speakers. Tap to play and start memorizing 10x faster now!

Pro Tip: Play the audio on a loop while reviewing the conjugation chart to naturally absorb the correct forms. Try it now!

Conjugation Chart of “Tener” (to have) in the Present Tense

Why Use Loop-Based Learning

• 🧠 Activates natural language processing in the brain
• 🔄 Makes conjugations feel automatic
• 📝 Reduces mental effort compared to rote memorization
• 💡 Builds fluency through repetition

Unlike traditional methods that rely on memorizing rules and grammar drills, our approach mimics how native speakers naturally acquire language—by hearing patterns repeatedly in context. This activates your brain’s phonological loop, making verb forms feel familiar and automatic.

To learn more about the science behind this technique, read our detailed article: The Neuroscience of Language Learning: How Listening on a Loop Strengthens Your Fluency

Understanding the Present Tense of “Tener”

The Present Tense of Tener is used to express possession, obligation, age, and certain idiomatic expressions in the present moment. For example, Tengo un libro nuevo. (I have a new book.)

Tener is an irregular verb, meaning its conjugations do not follow a set pattern across all subjects. You’ll need to memorize its unique conjugations in the present tense.

How to Use Tener in the Present Tense

Tener generally means “to have” or “to possess”, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To have/possess: This is the most common meaning, indicating ownership or possession of something. For example, Yo tengo un coche nuevo. (I have a new car.)

To have to/must: Tener can also express obligation or necessity. For example, Tengo que estudiar para el examen. (I have to study for the exam.)

To hold/contain: It can mean to hold or contain something. For example, Esta caja tiene libros. (This box contains books.)

To experience: Tener can be used to express experiencing a feeling or condition. For example, Tengo hambre. (I’m hungry.) or Tengo frío. (I’m cold.)

To be a certain age: It’s used to indicate age. For example, Tengo veinte años. (I’m twenty years old.)

Idiomatic/Slang: Tener can have some idiomatic or slang meanings, like Tener huevos (to have guts/courage) or Tener una caída (to get drunk).

Real Life Examples of Tener in the Present Tense

Hoy tengo mucho trabajo en la oficina. (I have a lot of work at the office today.)

¿Tienes planes para el fin de semana? (Do you have plans for the weekend?)

Mi hermana tiene un gato y un perro. (My sister has a cat and a dog.)

Tenemos que ir al supermercado a comprar comida. (We have to go to the grocery store to buy food.)

Mis amigos tienen una fiesta esta noche. (My friends have a party tonight.)

¿Tienes hambre? Podemos pedir una pizza. (Are you hungry? We can order a pizza.)

El equipo tiene un partido importante mañana. (The team has an important game tomorrow.)

Tengo que estudiar para el examen final. (I have to study for the final exam.)

¿Tienes alguna recomendación de restaurantes en la ciudad? (Do you have any restaurant recommendations in the city?)

Mi jefe tiene una reunión importante esta tarde. (My boss has an important meeting this afternoon.)

Tenemos que hacer la colada antes de irnos de viaje. (We have to do laundry before we go on our trip.)

¿Tienes ganas de ir al cine esta noche? (Do you feel like going to the movies tonight?)

Mis padres tienen una casa en la playa. (My parents have a house at the beach.)

Tengo que levantarme temprano mañana para ir al trabajo. (I have to wake up early tomorrow to go to work.)

¿Tienen ustedes planes para las vacaciones de verano? (Do you all have plans for summer vacation?)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Tener (to have) in the Present Tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.