Why is "tengo" or "estoy" before a word sometimes?
2
votes
For example:
"Estoy feliz" - I'm happy
"Tengo miedo" - I'm afraid
3092 views
updated Jul 23, 2011
edited by SonrisaDelSol
posted by timic
Make sure you use proper grammar, punctuation, and capitalization when posting :) Gracias! - SonrisaDelSol, Jul 23, 2011
1 Answer
2
votes
"Estoy" and "tengo" are the verbs 
All complete sentences need a verb, right? 
"Estoy" is the "yo" form (present tense, indicative mood) of the verb "estar", which means "to be".
"Estoy" means "I am".
"Feliz" means "happy".
Estoy feliz - I am happy.
In Spanish, we don't say "I am afraid". Rather, we say "I have fear".
"Tengo" is the "yo" form (present tense, indicative mood) of the verb "tener", which means "to have".
"Tengo" means "I have".
"Miedo" means "fear".
Tengo miedo - I have fear. In English, we interpret this as "I am afraid".
Good question. I hope I helped!
updated Jul 23, 2011
edited by SonrisaDelSol
posted by SonrisaDelSol
thankyou for your answer very helpful, Timic - timic, Jul 23, 2011
You're welcome! - SonrisaDelSol, Jul 23, 2011
That was a good explanation timic you should have rewarded it with a vote I will do it for you. - kenwilliams, Jul 23, 2011
Thank you very much, Ken. That was very kind of you! - SonrisaDelSol, Jul 23, 2011
