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"Tener" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to have", and "decir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to say". Learn more about the difference between "tener" and "decir" below.
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?
decir(
deh
-
seer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to speak)
a. to say
¿Qué dices de la nueva ley de transporte?What do you say about the new law on transportation?
c. to believe
¿Quién hubiera dicho que Juliana y Gustavo acabarían juntos?Who would have believed that Juliana and Gustavo would end up together?
5. (to narrate)
a. to recite
Ahora voy a decir un poema nuevo que escribí sobre el amor perdido.Now I will recite a poem I wrote about lost love.
6. (to signify)
a. to tell
El que no le interese planear la boda me dice que Jorge no está listo para casarse.The fact that he's not interested in planning the wedding tells me Jorge's not ready to get married.
8. (religious)
a. to go ahead
¿Le puedo pedir un favor? - ¡Claro! Dime, ¿en qué lo puedo ayudar?Can I ask a favor of you? - Of course! Go ahead, how can I help you?
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
11. (proverb)
a. saying
"De tal palo, tal astilla" es un decir popular."Like father, like son" is a popular saying.
a. manner of speaking
¡No te enfades, mujer! Es solo un decir.Come on, don't get annoyed! It's just a manner of speaking.
decirse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to tell oneself
Me dije que no volvería a empezar a fumar.I told myself that I wouldn't start smoking again.
b. to say to oneself
Me dije a mí misma, esto no parece estar bien.I said to myself, this doesn't feel right.
c. to think to oneself
Me sigo diciendo, ¿qué hubiera pasado si hubiera aceptado ese trabajo?I keep thinking to myself, what would have happened had I taken that job?
