Spanish examples for “Tengo” with age and objects

Introduction

Learning how to use the verb tengo is one of the first practical steps for beginners in Spanish. Tengo means I have and appears in many everyday contexts. This article explains how to use tengo with age and objects, provides clear examples, common mistakes, and useful vocabulary so you can start speaking and reading simple sentences confidently.

What does tengo mean?

Tengo is the first person singular present form of the verb tener, which means to have. Use tengo when you talk about things you possess, physical states, age, obligations with que, and some expressions that are different from English.

Examples of uses covered in this article:

Possession: Tengo un libro.

Age: Tengo 25 años.

Obligation: Tengo que estudiar.

Physical states or sensations: Tengo hambre.

Basic grammar with tengo

Subject pronoun is optional because the verb form makes the subject clear. In Spanish you usually drop yo: Yo tengo un perro becomes Tengo un perro.

Word order is usually Subject-Verb-Object, like English, but Spanish places age with years after tengo: Tengo 30 años.

Negation uses no before the verb: No tengo tiempo.

Using tengo to say your age

In Spanish you say you have a number of years, not I am. Beginners often try to translate I am 20 directly, but the natural phrase is Tengo 20 años.

Examples:

Tengo 18 años.

Tengo 35 años.

Tengo un año. (used for talking about a baby who is one year old)

Tip: Use años for years. Do not shorten it in formal writing. In informal speech some people say Tengo veinte, but include años when clarity matters.

Common age-related questions and answers

To ask someone’s age, Spanish speakers commonly use Cuántos años tienes? or ¿Qué edad tienes? Both are fine for beginners to learn.

Examples:

¿Cuántos años tienes? — Tengo 22 años.

¿Qué edad tienes? — Tengo 29 años.

¿Cuántos años tiene usted? — Tengo 45 años. (formal)

Using tengo with objects

Tengo + object is the straightforward pattern for saying you own or possess something. The noun that follows can be singular or plural. Articles are usually required: un, una, el, la, los, las.

Examples of everyday objects:

Tengo un teléfono nuevo.

Tengo tres libros de cocina.

Tengo una bicicleta en el garage.

Tengo las llaves en el bolso.

Countable and uncountable objects

For countable items use a number and plural noun: Tengo dos perros. For uncountable items use partitive or measure words when needed: Tengo agua en la botella. If the noun is uncountable and you mean some of it, use un poco de or mucha/poca: Tengo un poco de dinero.

Examples:

Tengo mucho trabajo.

Tengo un poco de leche en la nevera.

Tengo with household items and classroom objects

Beginner-friendly vocabulary tied to everyday contexts helps you practice tengo naturally. Here are short lists and sample sentences you will use in conversations, shopping, or at school.

Household items

Tengo una mesa nueva.

Tengo una cama cómoda.

Tengo dos sillas en la cocina.

Classroom and study items

Tengo un cuaderno y un lápiz.

Tengo una mochila roja.

Tengo una computadora en casa.

Short practical examples for beginners

Tengo una pregunta. (Useful in class or a conversation)

No tengo tarea hoy. (Use this if your teacher asks)

Tengo una cita con el doctor. (A simple everyday phrase for appointments)

Using tengo for conditions and feelings (common expressions)

Important beginner point: Many sensations and conditions in Spanish use tengo rather than the verb to be. These are fixed expressions you should memorize because translating directly from English will sound wrong.

Common expressions:

Tengo hambre. — I am hungry.

Tengo sed. — I am thirsty.

Tengo frío. — I am cold.

Tengo calor. — I am hot.

Tengo sueño. — I am sleepy.

Tengo miedo. — I am afraid.

Usage tips

Combine these with simple verbs to explain why: Tengo hambre porque no comí. or Tengo sueño después del trabajo.

Beginner warning: Do not say Soy hambre or Estoy hambre. Those are incorrect. Always use Tengo with these sensations.

Using tengo que + infinitive to express obligations

Tengo que means I have to. This structure is essential for talking about responsibilities or plans.

Examples:

Tengo que estudiar para el examen.

Tengo que trabajar mañana.

Tengo que ir al banco.

Tip: After tengo que, use the infinitive verb without conjugation: estudiar, trabajar, ir. This is a very common beginner pattern.

Short dialogues and real-life mini-scenarios

Practice short dialogues to apply vocabulary and feel more natural using tengo.

At a cafe

Barista: ¿Tiene usted tarjeta de puntos?

Customer: No, no tengo tarjeta.

At school

Teacher: ¿Tienes el cuaderno?

Student: Sí, tengo el cuaderno en la mochila.

At home

Friend: ¿Tienes dinero para el taxi?

You: Tengo algo en efectivo.

Common beginner mistakes with tengo and how to avoid them

Mistake 1: Literal translation of I am for age

Wrong: Soy 20 años. Correct: Tengo 20 años.

Mistake 2: Using tener expressions with ser or estar

Wrong: Estoy hambre. Correct: Tengo hambre.

Mistake 3: Forgetting articles for objects

Wrong: Tengo perro. Correct: Tengo un perro.

Mistake 4: Leaving out que with obligations

Wrong: Tengo estudiar. Correct: Tengo que estudiar.

Practice exercises for learners

Complete these sentences by writing the correct form using tengo and the words in parentheses.

1. __________ 25 años. (25)

2. __________ tres hermanas. (hermanas)

3. __________ que trabajar mañana. (trabajar)

4. __________ hambre. (hunger)

5. __________ una bicicleta en el garaje. (bicicleta)

Answers (check after trying):

1. Tengo 25 años.

2. Tengo tres hermanas.

3. Tengo que trabajar mañana.

4. Tengo hambre.

5. Tengo una bicicleta en el garaje.

Useful vocabulary list

Tener — to have

Tengo — I have

Tienes — you have (informal)

Tiene — he/she/you formal has

Años — years

Llaves — keys

Dinero — money

Teléfono — phone

Cita — appointment

Trabajo — work

Hambre — hunger

Sed — thirst

Sueño — sleepiness

How to build confidence using tengo in conversation

Start by memorizing the basic patterns: Tengo + noun, Tengo + number + años, Tengo que + infinitive, and the fixed expressions with sensations. Practice short sentences aloud and create small role-play scenarios: ordering food, answering basic questions, or describing what you have in your bag.

Practice suggestion: Use a pocket notebook. Each day write five sentences using tengo in different contexts: one about age, two about objects, one about an obligation, and one about a sensation.

Conclusion

Mastering tengo opens many simple, practical expressions in Spanish: stating your age, describing possessions, expressing needs, and saying obligations. Focus on the basic patterns, learn common phrases like Tengo hambre and Tengo que estudiar, and practice real-life sentences. With short daily exercises and the examples in this article, you will quickly use tengo naturally in conversation.