Coffee Break Spanish: When "to be" means "tener" in Spanish | A Coffee Break with Pablo

Host: Pablo
Podcast: Coffee Break Languages
Date: December 11, 2025

Episode Overview

In this bite-sized lesson, Pablo explores a common point of confusion for English speakers learning Spanish—the use of the verb "tener" (“to have”) where in English, we’d use "to be" in expressions about physical states or feelings. Through entertaining examples, mini translation challenges, and practical tips, Pablo helps listeners grasp these essential expressions, making everyday Spanish sound more natural.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Spark for the Lesson

[01:33]

• Pablo explains that the cold Scottish winter inspired the topic.

• A Spanish friend visiting Glasgow mistakenly said in English, “I have cold” (from Spanish, tengo frío), instead of “I am cold.”

• This highlights how Spanish uses tener + noun for states where English uses “to be.”

  "Lo que pasó es que tradujo directamente del español 'tengo frío', which literally means 'I have cold.'"
  — Pablo [01:59]

2. Key Expressions using "tener"

[03:06]–[04:56]
Pablo breaks down several common expressions:

• Estoy frío/calor: Incorrect in Spanish!
  Use tengo frío (“I am cold”), tengo calor (“I am hot”).

• Tengo hambre – “I am hungry”

• Tienes hambre? – “Are you hungry?”

• Tengo sed – “I am thirsty”

• Tengo miedo – “I am scared” (“I have fear”)

• Tengo razón – “I am right”

• Tienes razón? – “Are you right?” / “Are you correct?”

• Tengo suerte – “I am lucky”

• Tiene mucha suerte – “He/She is very lucky”

• Tengo sueño – “I am sleepy”

• Tengo cuidado – “I am careful”

• Ten cuidado / Tenga cuidado – “Be careful” (familiar/formal)

  "In Spanish, we don’t say things like to be cold, to be hungry, to be scared, and so on. Instead, we use 'tener' followed by a noun."
  — Pablo [02:37]

3. Practical Translation Challenge

[05:29]–[08:05]
Pablo leads listeners in a translation exercise. He says a phrase in English and challenges listeners to translate it using the correct "tener" expression in Spanish.

• “I’m cold this morning because the house is very cold.”

  • Tengo frío esta mañana porque la casa está muy fría.
    ([05:56])

• “My sister is sleepy after working all night.”

  • Mi hermana tiene sueño después de trabajar toda la noche.
    ([06:26])

• “We are hungry after skiing.”

  • Tenemos hambre después de esquiar.
    (Not included in transcript but follows challenge pattern)

• “Be careful. The road is frozen.”

  • Ten cuidado. La carretera está congelada.
  • Tenga cuidado, la carretera está congelada.
    ([07:18])

• “The children are scared with this film.”

  • Los niños tienen miedo con esta película.
    (Not fully transcribed, but pattern follows)

4. Summary of the Lesson

[08:05]–[09:21]

• Recap of all “tener” expressions covered.

• Emphasizes the importance of using “tener” in these everyday scenarios instead of “ser” or “estar”.

• Resources for further practice on Coffee Break TV.

  "Many everyday expressions that use the verb to be in English are formed with 'tener' to have in Spanish..."
  — Pablo [08:08]

  Expressions reviewed:

  • tener frío (to be cold)
  • tener calor (to be hot)
  • tener hambre (to be hungry)
  • tener miedo (to be scared)
  • tener razón (to be right)
  • tener suerte (to be lucky)
  • tener sueño (to be sleepy)
  • tener cuidado (to be careful)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On direct translation pitfalls:

  "What she meant was 'I am cold,' because it was really freezing in Glasgow that day. Lo que pasó es que tradujo directamente del español 'tengo frío', which literally means 'I have cold.'"
  — Pablo [01:59]

• On the importance of 'tener' in key phrases:

  "In Spanish, we don't say things like 'to be cold', 'to be hungry', 'to be scared', and so on. Instead, we use 'tener' followed by a noun."
  — Pablo [02:37]

• On giving commands:

  "But if you want to say 'be careful' to someone else, then you would say 'ten cuidado'. Or more formal, using the usted form, 'tenga cuidado', muy bien."
  — Pablo [04:56]

Time-stamped Highlights

• [01:33] — Pablo introduces the topic inspired by a friend's English-Spanish mix-up.
• [03:06] — List of common “to be” phrases that use “tener” in Spanish (“cold”, “hot”, “hungry”, etc.).
• [05:29] — Practical translation challenge for listeners.
• [07:18] — Demonstrates giving instructions: “Be careful. The road is frozen.”
• [08:05] — Recap and summary of all key expressions.
• [09:21] — Sign-off and wish for good luck with Spanish studies.

Takeaways

• Many expressions about feelings or conditions use “tener” in Spanish, not “ser” or “estar.”
• Practicing with translation exercises helps internalize these differences.
• Using the right verb helps you sound much more natural and fluent in everyday Spanish.

Further Practice

Pablo encourages listeners to practice more with translation challenges and videos on CoffeeBreakTV.com or the Coffee Break TV app.

Closing encouragement:

"Muchísimas gracias por escucharnos y por supuesto muchísima suerte con tu aprendizaje."
— Pablo [09:21]