"to have around": would you still use tenir?

Question

Hello!

Which verb should I use to express "to have around"? I wanted to say, "It's nice to have flowers around the house when we have visitors." Should I still use tenir or are there better expressions to use?

"Cuando tenemos visitas, es agradable tener flores en casa." This sounds too much like a literal translation to me.

I'd be grateful for any pointers.

¡Gracias!

Answer 1

Well, it's literal but correct. If you want to have a freer translation you can say: "Es agradable decorar la casa con flores cuando tenemos invitados", but it's a free translation. On the other hand, be careful with your spelling in Spanish. You should write your sentence this way: "Cuando tenemos visitas es agradable tener flores en casa"

Thanks pilar for pointing out the spelling mistakes. My only excuse is that my Spanish spelling is still influenced by my French. Not a very valid excuse, I grant. - Pibosan, Apr 26, 2011

Oh, and thanks for the better way of wording the phrase ! - Pibosan, Apr 26, 2011

Answer 2

Just a thought, Pibosan,

Another variation of the ending could be "alrededor de casa" instead of "en casa".

I think it should be "de la casa". . .I would also think the flowers were outside. - lorenzo9, Apr 26, 2011

I like alredador in this case - pacofinkler, Apr 26, 2011

Alrededor, Paco. - Agora, Apr 26, 2011

Uff spelling in english again! - pacofinkler, Apr 26, 2011

Answer 3

Another variation of the ending could be "alrededor de casa" instead of "en casa".

erm... wouldn't alredador imply that the flowers "surround" the house, probably in flower beds outside? I wanted to say having flowers around the house inside in varies rooms. So may be en casa is more appropriate?

Answer 4

si