The verbs to have and be(haber and tener) inSpanish they have different meanings and uses and, therefore, they tend to cause confusion for us Brazilians, since we use the two verbs as synonyms many times. Thus, knowing how to correctly use these verbs in Spanish is essential for communication and not to make mistakes.
know
The verb knowit is impersonal and therefore should not be conjugated; its shape must only be changed in relation to time (present, past and future). In Spanish, this verb is used to express existence, and can be replaced by exists or exists. Another function of this verb is to express obligation or need, but in a general way. / the verb know es impersonal y, therefore, must not be conjugated; its solo form must be changed in relation to time (present, past, future). En español, this verb is used to express existence, and can be replaced by exist O exist. Another function of this verb is to express obligation or necessity, but generally.
Examples:
FORM | |
Gift |
Hay a very beautiful house in calle 9. |
past |
this morning had done many people on calle 9. |
past |
last month hubo a party on calle 9. |
Future |
Next year habra a big party on calle 9. |
HAY + WHAT |
Hay that work to buy a good house. |
|
Hay that have good education. Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;) |
Hay that study hard to be successful. |
tener
already the verb tenerit needs a subject and, therefore, it must be conjugated (I have, you have, she has...). In Spanish, this verb is used to express possession, and can be replaced by posee (has). as the verb be, can express obligation or need, but in a more specific way. / Ya the verb tenerit needs a subject and, therefore, it must be conjugated (yo tengo, you tiene, she tiene...). In español, this verb is used to express posesión, and can be replaced by pose. as the verb know, it can express the need, but in a more specific way.
Conjugation:
Indicative mode | ||
| Number | speech personas | Personal Pronouns |
| Singular | First |
yo |
Second |
you / you |
|
usted | ||
third |
hey she |
|
| Plural form | First |
nosotros, |
Second |
you, |
|
usted | ||
third |
hello they |
Examples:
To express posesión: / To express ownership: |
Tienes many books. |
Ana and Pablo tienen of the hijos. |
Buenos Aires tiene many museums. |
Expresses need or specific obligation: / Express specific need or obligation: |
I have to estudiar más español. |
Tienes that buy rice for la scene. |
Maria and Juan tienen that Bring more time to the almuerzo. |
by Helen de Carvalho
Spanish teacher
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
CARVALHO, Hellen Lopes de. "Verbs “Haber” and “Tener” in Spanish"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/espanhol/verbos-haber-tener-espanhol.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.
