diferencia entre estar y tener

Question

ok my book says Tener be used as "to be" like Estar is "to be"

But for example they have Tener hambre, and Tengo frio.. wouldn't you use Estoy frio? or can you use them both?

And then using the example ¿Cuantos anos tienes? the girl replies Tengo cinco años.. wouldn't that be Estoy cinco anos? or can you use both?

I'm confused.

except for the examples you pointed out. - francobollo, Jan 12, 2013

Your book should say "Tener" is to have. - francobollo, Jan 12, 2013

Answer 1

Tengo hambre. I am hungry.

Tengo sueño. I am sleepy.

Tengo 20 años. I am 20 years old.

Spanish uses tener instead of ser. It is one of these language nuances you just need to get used to.

We say to have hunger, to have a need to sleep, to have a certain age. English uses to be to convey that.

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

ok so when do you guys use TO BE which means ser/estoy in spanish.

Answer 3

I have the impression 'tener' is to indicate ownership. It seems an circumstance more than basic being. A moderator will explain more fully, as they always do. Be well & SAFE.