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"Have patience" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "tener paciencia", and "be patient" is a phrase which is often translated as "sé paciente". Learn more about the difference between "have patience" and "be patient" below.
have patience(
hahv
pey
-
shihns
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (general)
a. tener paciencia
If you don't have patience, you'll lose your mind.Si no tienes paciencia, vas a volverte loca.
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
2. (general)
a. ten paciencia (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Have patience with me. I'll be ready soon.Tenme paciencia. Pronto estaré lista.
b. tenga paciencia (singular)
Have patience and you'll be rewarded.Tenga paciencia y se verá recompensado.
be patient(
bi
pey
-
shihnt
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. sé paciente (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Be patient. Your food will be here soon.Sé paciente. Pronto llegará tu comida.
b. ten paciencia (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Be patient. You will get the answers to your questions in time.Ten paciencia. Obtendrás las respuestas a tus preguntas con el tiempo.
c. sea paciente (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
I'm anxious to know whether we have a deal or not. - Be patient. I'm sure we'll come to an agreement.Estoy intranquila por saber si tenemos un trato o no. - Sea paciente. Estoy seguro de que llegaremos a un acuerdo.
d. tenga paciencia (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
I can't tolerate any more delays on this project. - Be patient, Ms. Thompson. I'm sure the team won't let you down.No puedo tolerar más retrasos en este proyecto. - Tenga paciencia, Srta. Thompson. Estoy seguro de que el equipo no le fallará.
a. sean pacientes (plural)
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
Mom, are we nearly there yet? - Be patient! We'll get there when we get there.Mamá, ¿cuánto falta para llegar? - ¡Sean pacientes! Llegaremos cuando lleguemos.
b. tengan paciencia (plural)
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
Can we have some cake now? - No! Be patient and wait until your friends are here.¿Podemos comer un trozo de pastel ahora? - ¡No! Tengan paciencia y esperen hasta que lleguen sus amigos.
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
3. (to be calm)
a. ser paciente
It's hard to be patient when you're waiting for your test results.Es difícil ser paciente mientras se esperan los resultados de las pruebas.
b. tener paciencia
You need to be patient with your children when they are young.Hay que tener paciencia con los niños cuando son pequeños.
