Tener and its idioms

5 years ago

In several cases where English uses the verb be + an adjective to describe a personal condition, Spanish uses the verb tener + a noun to express the same idea. 

Here are some examples:

Tener frío = be cold        
Tengo mucho frío (I am very cold)

Tener hambre = be hungry    
¿Tienen (Uds.) hambre?  (Are you hungry?)

Tener sed = be thirsty       
¿Tiene sed Anita? Are you thirsty, Anita? 

Tener prisa = be in a hurry         
Siempre tienes pisa. You are always in a hurry.