Coffee Break Spanish When "to be" means "tener" in Spanish | A Coffee Break with Pablo
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Dec 11, 2025 In this engaging lesson, Pablo dives into how Spanish uses 'tener' for expressions where English uses 'to be.' Discover phrases like 'tengo frío' for feeling cold and 'tengo hambre' for hunger. Learn the nuances of emotions with 'tengo miedo' for fear and confidence with 'tengo razón' for being right. Pablo also highlights how to express sleepiness and caution with 'tengo sueño' and 'tenga cuidado.' This fun lesson is packed with practical examples to enhance daily conversations!
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Friend Mistakes 'I Have Cold' For 'I'm Cold'
- Pablo recounts a Spanish friend in Glasgow who said in English, "I have cold" after translating directly from Spanish.
- This story introduces how many Spanish expressions use tener where English uses to be.
Tener Replaces 'To Be' For Many States
- Spanish commonly uses tener + noun for states that English expresses with to be + adjective.
- Examples include tengo frío (I'm cold) and tengo hambre (I'm hungry), showing a structural difference.
Memorize Key Tener Phrases
- Learn the set phrases: tengo frío, tengo calor, tengo hambre, tengo sed, tengo miedo, tengo razón, tengo suerte, tengo sueño, tengo cuidado.
- Use the imperative ten/tenga for telling someone to be careful: ten cuidado or tenga cuidado.