correct verb for ownership

Question

Is ownership best described by poseer, tener, or ser dueño de ?

If there is a specific sentence in English (or you can make one up, accordingly), I'm sure it can be translated properly.. and then you'll know! - RedLine55, Feb 29, 2012

Answer 1

I think almost anyone would tell you that it depends on the context. Certainly, "to possess" would be well translated as "poseer", especially if you are talking of a real, physical thing which can be sold or given away. It gets a bit more complex when you speak of ideas, affection, time, etc. And it will also matter if you have used one or more of the expressions you mention several times in a paragraph (or sentence). Another word for possession is "haber". Pero, esta anciana malhumorada no es una experta ...

Answer 2

• ¡Él es el dueño de la casa! = He is the owner of the house!
• ¡Esa mujer me pertenece! = That woman belongs to me!
• Yo poseo el don de enamorar. = I posses the gift of courting
• Yo tengo las llaves del carro. = I have the car keys.
• The last 2 sentences can be written or said without the "yo", but in this case, the "yo" makes it more emphatic! It is correct with or without "yo" Context will tell you.

I was just going to add pertenecer when I saw that you used it. - gringojrf, Feb 29, 2012

Answer 3

propio/a means own as in - I arrived in my own car. Llegè en mi carro propio.

Answer 4

¡Hola Donald! Personally, I would choose 'ser dueño de' as this comes under the heading of proprietor or owner, implying 'ownership'. The problem is that, just as in English, there are always several ways of expressing things. After all, 'Poseer' does indeed mean: To own, or to possess, and that's the problem with synonyms!! Hope this is of 'some' help. Regards...Jool.