Idiomatic ExpressionsUsing Tener

What is an idiom?According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:

• Main Entry: id·i·om

• Pronunciation: \ˈi-dē-əm\

• Function: noun

• an expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either grammatically (as no, it wasn't me) or in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements (as Monday week for “the Monday a week after next Monday”)

In other words...

An idiom is an expression (saying) that can’t be taken literally.

Examples of English Idioms:

“all over the place”“on the go”

“a pretty penny”“jump the gun”

“That’s a wrap”

Many of the Spanish idiomatic expressions use the verb tener.

You already know some!:

tener que + infinitive

tener _____ años

to have to...

___ years old

Quick Review - Tener Conjugations

Tengo Tenemos

Tienes X

Tiene Tienen

Tener + (physical feelings)

frío - to be cold

calor - to be hot

hambre - to be hungry

sed - to be thirsty

sueño - to be sleepy

un dolor de (body part) - to have a ___ache

Tener + (emotional feelings)

prisa - to be in a hurry

miedo de (noun) - to be afraid of (thing)

celos - to be jealous

cuidado - to be cautious

vergüenza - to be embarrased/ashamed

razón - to be right (correct)

Tener + (emotional feelings)

éxito - to be successful

culpa - to be guilty

suerte - to be lucky

lugar - to belong/fit in

ganas de (infinitive) - to feel like (doing something)

¿Qué tiene?

2 + 2 = 4