I had a

tenía un

I had a(ay hahd ey)

phrase

1. (I possessed a)

a. tenía un (long or undefined period of time)

When I was kid, I had a cat and a dog.

Cuando era niño, tenía un gato y un perro.

b. tuve un (short or defined period of time)

I bought a cashmere sweater. - I had a nice sweater like that, but I ruined it in the wash.

Me compré un sweater de cachemira. - Yo tuve un sweater bonito como ese, pero lo arruiné en la lavadora.

2. (I suffered from a)

a. tenía un (long or undefined period of time)

I had a cold, and I didn't go to work on Friday.

Tenía un resfriado y no fui a trabajar el viernes.

b. tuve un (short or defined period of time)

I had a horrible headache at lunch and took aspirin.

Tuve un dolor de cabeza horrible a la hora de almuerzo y tomé aspirina.

3. (I experienced a)

a. lo pasé (short or defined period of time)

Thank you for inviting me. I had a wonderful time.

Gracias por invitarme. La pasé maravillosamente.

b. lo pasaba (long or undefined period of time)

Kirk and I met every Friday for coffee, and I had a good time.

Kirk y yo íbamos a tomar un café todos los viernes, y lo pasaba bien.

4. (I consumed a)

a. tomé un (short or defined period of time)

I had a beer with dinner.

Tomé una cerveza durante la cena.

b. tomaba un (long or undefined period of time)

I had a cup of tea, and you always had coffee.

Tomaba un té, y tú siempre tomabas café.