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"No tener" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "not to have", and "tener" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to have". Learn more about the difference between "no tener" and "tener" below.
no tener(
noh
teh
-
nehr
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. not to have
Ramón todavía no tiene trabajo, sigue buscando.Ramon doesn't have a job yet. He keeps searching.
b. not to have got
No tengo carro. La verdad es que no lo necesito.I haven't got a car. The truth is that I don't need one.
a. not to have
Todavía no tengo cita con el médico. La pediré hoy.I don't have an appointment with the doctor yet. I'll make one today.
5. (medicine)
a. not to have
Soy la única persona en casa que no tiene gripe.I'm the only person at home who doesn't have the flu.
a. not to consider
A Julia no la tengo por una persona mala, solo un poco egoísta.I don't consider Julia a bad person, just a bit selfish.
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?
