How do you determine when to use "Tener" or "Haber"
1
vote
Tener & haber both mean "to have", in Present Tense it seems easier to understand & use tener, but oin other areas one gets confused. Can you please help?
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updated Dec 19, 2011
posted by steeshsood
1 Answer
2
votes
A very basic answer is that "tener" is used when you actually "have" things:
Tengo un gato. I have a cat.
Tenemos una casa grande. We have a big house.
Even... Tengo hambre. I have hunger. (I am hungry.)
"Haber" is a verb of existance and is an auxiliary verb:
He tenido que trabajar mucho esta semana. I have had to work a lot this week.
¿Ya has comido? Have you already eaten?
Hay un perro en la calle. There is a dog in the street.
There are exceptions:
For example, to show obligation:
Tengo que trabajar esta noche. I have to work tonight.
Tenemos que irnos pronto. We have to leave soon.
updated Dec 19, 2011
edited by Tosh
posted by Tosh
