Tenemos (en. Have)

/teˈnemos/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
verb
Indicates possession or belonging.
We have a house by the beach.
Nosotros tenemos una casa en la playa.
It is used to express obligation or necessity.
We have to study for the exam.
Tenemos que estudiar para el examen.
It is used to refer to a situation or condition.
We have a problem to solve.
Tenemos un problema que resolver.
It expresses a characteristic or quality.
We have a lot of energy to work.
Tenemos mucha energía para trabajar.

Etymology

It derives from the Latin 'habere', which means 'to have'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

we have to talk
It means that it is necessary to discuss an important topic.
tenemos que hablar
we have time
It indicates that there is enough time available to do something.
tenemos tiempo
we are lucky
It expresses that one has good fortune in a situation.
tenemos suerte

Related Words

possession
Act of having something in possession.
tenencia
to have
Verb that indicates the action of possessing.
tener
fork
Object used to hold or serve food.
tenedor

Slang Meanings

Used in an informal context to emphasize that one owns something valuable.
Let's toast to what we have!
¡Brindemos por lo que tenemos!
In youth slang, it can refer to having relationships or connections.
In this city, we have contacts that can help us.
En esta ciudad, tenemos contactos que nos pueden ayudar.