tienes — meaning in English: do you have

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for do you have

abre

tienes

dame

gran

pase

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Spanish for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

informal very common

Usage

Native speakers use 'tienes' in various everyday situations, particularly when asking someone if they possess something. For example, you might hear '¿Tienes un lápiz?' when a student asks a classmate if they have a pencil to borrow during a lecture.

Synonyms & nuances

'Tienes' is a direct way of asking about possession, while 'posees' is a more formal synonym. You would generally choose 'tienes' in casual conversations, whereas 'posees' might be used in formal writing or discussions.

Culture

'Tienes' comes from the verb 'tener', which means 'to have'. This verb is deeply embedded in Spanish culture, reflecting the importance of possession and relationships. In Spain, it's common to hear this word when initiating conversations, as it often leads to further inquiries about personal belongings or needs.

FAQ

Q.What does 'tienes' mean in English?

'Tienes' translates to 'do you have' in English, used to inquire about possession in a conversational context.

Q.How do you conjugate 'tener' in different persons?

'Tener' is an irregular verb in Spanish. Here are the present tense forms: yo tengo (I have), tú tienes (you have), él/ella tiene (he/she has), nosotros tenemos (we have), and ellos/ellas tienen (they have).

Q.Is 'tienes' used in formal situations?

'Tienes' is primarily informal. In formal contexts, you might use 'tiene', which is the polite form when addressing someone you don't know well.

Learn spanish with Maspeak →

Spanish 1000