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How can i learn the TENER expressions?

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2 Answers

Courtney, these are idiomatic expressions.  Below is an excellent explanation courtesy of ;

An idiom is an expression that cannot be immediately understood by analyzing its literal meaning. A few examples of idioms in English are:

to be "on the go"
to "play the field"
to "jump the gun"

Spanish also has many idiomatic expressions. Although their literal translations sound odd to English speakers, they sound perfectly natural to native speakers. Here is one example:

Idiom: Hace mucho frío

Literally: It makes much cold

True Meaning: It is very cold

There are many idiomatic expressions that use the verb tener. This one expresses age:

Idiom: tener _____ años

Literally: to have _____ years

True Meaning: to be _____ years old

Many other expressions using tener express physical sensations:

tener frío
to be cold
tener calor
to be hot
tener hambre
to be hungry
tener sed
to be thirsty
tener sueño
to be sleepy
tener dolor de
to hurt or be sore, etc.

There are also many idiomatic expressions with tener that express sensations more psychological in nature:

tener prisa
to be in a hurry
tener miedo a/de + noun
to be afraid of something
tener miedo a/de + infinitive
to be afraid to do something
tener celos
to be jealous
tener confianza
to be confident
tener cuidado
to be careful
tener vergüenza
to be ashamed

There are other idiomatic expressions with tener as well:

tener razón
to be right
tener éxito
to be successful
tener la culpa
to be guilty
tener suerte
to be lucky
tener lugar
to take place
tener ganas de
to feel like
tener en cuenta
to take into account is a wonderful resource for language learners
Hello Courtney,

Heather provided an excellent answer, so the only thing I would add to her response to answer your question is the following:
1. In addition to learning the meaning of each expression, try to come up with different sentences/scenarios that would help you remember each one.  The more these sentences/scenarios resemble real-life situations, the easier it will become for you to remember them.  Recruit a friend/classmate to quiz you on each one and try to come up with ways that applicable to your life.
As you go about your regular day activities, take advantage of situations that remind you of each of these expressions and say them out loud.  Also, write them out on a notebook (or on your phone).  The more senses you engage, the easier it will be to remember them.

Have fun!