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"Tienen" is a form of "tener", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to have". "Hace que" is a phrase which is often translated as "makes". Learn more about the difference between "hace que" and "tienen" below.
hace que(
ah
-
seh
keh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (causes)
a. makes (third person)
Vivir contigo hace que la vida sea más fácil y divertida.Living with you makes life easier and more fun.
b. make (formal) (second person)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Sus clases nos gustan porque hace que la física parezca divertida, Sra. López.We like your classes because you make physics fun, Mrs. Lopez.
2. (feigns)
a. pretends that (third person)
Carlos hace que escucha al profesor, pero está pensando en su novia.Carlos pretends that he is listening to his teacher, but he is thinking about his girlfriend.
b. acts as if (third person)
La madre hace que no se entera, pero sabe lo que le ocurre a su hijo.The mother acts as if she doesn't notice, but she knows what's happening to her son.
c. pretend that (formal) (second person)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Hace que le preocupa, doctor, pero en realidad a usted no le importa lo que nos pase.You pretend you care, doctor, but you actually don't care what happens to us.
d. act as if (formal) (second person)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Por favor, céntrese en su papel, Sr. Calvo. Usted hace que entiende el idioma, pero en el fondo no se entera, ¿de acuerdo?Please concentrate on your role, Mr. Calvo. You act as if you understand the language, but you actually don't, all right?
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Cuánto hace que no te duchas?How long is it since you last had a shower?
Hace que no voy al cine un mes.It's been a month since I last went to the movies.
tener(
teh
-
nehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to possess)
4. (to wear)
a. to have
La chica que busco tiene lentes de sol y una bufanda.The girl I'm looking for has sunglasses and a scarf.
10. (to measure)
12. (to receive)
a. to have
Todavía no tuve el correo electrónico de confirmación de la empresa.I haven't had a confirmation email from the company yet.
15. (to think of)
16. (used to indicate duration) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Tengo dos años sin verlo.I haven't seen him for two years.
Mis abuelos tienen 40 años de casados.My grandparents have been married for 40 years.
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. to have to
Tengo que terminar mis deberes antes de salir a la fiesta.I have to finish my homework before going to the party.
b. must
Tienes que comer todo en tu plato si quieres postre.You must eat everything on your plate if you want dessert.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Tengo pensado ir al mercado mañana.I think I'll go to the market tomorrow.
Tenemos entendido que piensas dejar la escuela.We understand that you're thinking of leaving school.
a. to make
La noticia sobre el huracán me tiene muy nervioso.The news about the hurricane is making me nervous.
tenerse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to stand
Este adorno no se tiene sin apoyarlo contra algo.This ornament won't stand without leaning it on something.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Estaba tan mareado que no me tenía de pie.I was so dizzy that I couldn't stand up.
No me tengo de sueño.I'm so tired I can barely stand.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Este muchacho se tiene por muy guapo.That kid thinks he's so attractive.
¿Por quién se tiene tu prima?Who does your cousin think she is?
