vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Responder" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to answer", and "tener" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to have". Learn more about the difference between "responder" and "tener" below.
responder(
rrehs
-
pohn
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dehr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
b. to reply
Le escribí una postal y me respondió con una carta de diez páginas.I wrote him a postcard, and he replied to me with ten-page letter.
c. to give a reply
Respondiste de una manera que debió haber puesto fin a la conversación, pero no puedo dejarla así.You gave a reply that should have ended the conversation, but I can't let it end like that.
2. (to react)
a. to respond
Los perros respondieron gruñéndoles a los gatos.The dogs responded by growling at the cats.
b. to respond to
Los huéspedes del hotel respondieron a la alarma evacuando.The hotel guests responded to the alarm by evacuating.
a. to answer back
La profesora lo castigó por responder.The teacher punished him for answering back.
b. to talk back (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Cuando te digo que te cepilles los dientes, no necesito que me respondas.When I tell you to brush your teeth, I don't need you to talk back.
b. to take responsibility for
Ella responde de que los volantes se repartan a tiempo.She takes responsibility for getting the flyers handed out on time.
a. to be in keeping with
Sus fotografías responden al tema de la exhibición.Her photographs are in keeping with the theme of the exhibit.
b. to be appropriate for
La multa que se cobró responde a los daños hechos.The fine charged is appropriate for the damage done.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to answer
El estudiante respondió que él no había sido.The student answered that he didn't do it.
b. to reply to
¿Respondiste ya el correo electrónico de tu jefa?Have you replied to your boss's email yet?
c. to respond to (formal)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Manuel respondió preguntas del comité.Manuel responded to the committee's questions.
a. to answer
Mi papá no me respondió la llamada, así que tuve que irme caminando a casa.My dad didn't answer my call, so I had to walk home.
tener(
teh
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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?
