Tenia Pintado?

Question

Hello. In English we often say things such as, "I had my house painted...". That seems to me like an English sentence construction, using "had" in this manner. Would it be correct to say, "Tenia pintado mi casa..."? Or, is there a Spanish sentence structure that would be preferable, or more standard? Thanks.

Answer 1

No, "tuve mi casa pintada" makes no sense in Spanish, if it means something it means "I had my house painted at some point but now it is not painted anymore". In Spanish you will say "pinté mi casa" (even if you didn't actually paint it) or "hice pintar mi casa" (closer to "I had my house painted").

That's what I wanted to know. Muchas gracias. - AndaBien, Jun 24, 2017

Answer 2

Shameless' answer is perfect.

I might just add that you could use the passive form.

Mi casa fue pintada.

However, the option: pinté mi casa or pintaron mi casa is the best.

I know it sounds weird in English, as if you painted it yourself.

It might be interesting to say that we do this all the time.

Lavé el cocho...I had my car washed. me corté el pelo...I had a haircut.

Please have a look at this thread, I created it a long time ago precisely because of this confusion.

have or get something done

Answer 3

How about, "Tuve mi casa pintada"

I think it's a matter of time frame, but I am not 100% sure on this.

Yes, I think the tense of "tener" would depend on the context. - AndaBien, Jun 24, 2017

I'm wondering if "tener" should be used in this way, to indicate having accomplished something. - AndaBien, Jun 24, 2017

No, you wouldn't use "tener" like this. - Shamelesspanish, Jun 24, 2017

Answer 4

Another very nice thread on this topic. A very old thread and very good, it shows, it has over 8000 views!

getting something done