tener present subjunctive conjugation
Tener (to have) in the present subjunctive: tenga, tengas, tenga, tengamos, tengáis, tengan.
Presente de subjuntivo Present subjunctive
| yo | regular: tena |
|---|---|
| tú | regular: tenas |
| él/ella/usted | regular: tena |
| nosotros | regular: tenamos |
| vosotros | regular: tenáis |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | regular: tenan |
ending regular · irr breaks the pattern · tap a form to hear it
When to use the present subjunctive
The present subjunctive (presente de subjuntivo) follows expressions of wishes, emotions, doubt, impersonal judgements and requests: “Quiero que vengas.” It also gives the usted/ustedes and negative tú commands.
How it is formed
Take the yo form of the present, drop the -o and add the “opposite” vowel: -ar → e, es, e, emos, éis, en; -er/-ir → a, as, a, amos, áis, an. So tengo → tenga, hago → haga. Six verbs are fully irregular: ser, estar, ir, haber, saber, dar.
Tener is irregular here. 6 of 6 forms break the pattern (dark tiles above); the regular pattern would give tena, tenas, tena, tenamos, tenáis, tenan.
Read more: Spanish subjunctive: formation and triggers
Tener in a sentence
- Tengo dos hermanos.I have two brothers.
- Tendremos una reunión mañana.We will have a meeting tomorrow.
Stem-changing (e→ie) and irregular yo form 'tengo'; used in expressions like 'tener hambre'.
FAQ
What is the present subjunctive of tener?
Tener in the Spanish present subjunctive: yo tenga, tú tengas, él/ella/usted tenga, nosotros tengamos, vosotros tengáis, ellos/ellas/ustedes tengan.
Is tener irregular in the present subjunctive?
Yes. 6 of 6 forms break the regular pattern: yo tenga (regular would be tena); tú tengas (regular would be tenas); él/ella/usted tenga (regular would be tena); nosotros tengamos (regular would be tenamos); vosotros tengáis (regular would be tenáis); ellos/ellas/ustedes tengan (regular would be tenan).
When do you use the Spanish present subjunctive?
The present subjunctive (presente de subjuntivo) follows expressions of wishes, emotions, doubt, impersonal judgements and requests: “Quiero que vengas.” It also gives the usted/ustedes and negative tú commands.
How is the present subjunctive formed?
Take the yo form of the present, drop the -o and add the “opposite” vowel: -ar → e, es, e, emos, éis, en; -er/-ir → a, as, a, amos, áis, an. So tengo → tenga, hago → haga. Six verbs are fully irregular: ser, estar, ir, haber, saber, dar.
Full tener conjugation, all tenses →
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