New
New
Age: 'tener' meaning 'be'
Learning outcomes
I can say how old I am and ask someone their age using 'tener'.
I can distinguish between the sounds [n] and [ñ].
Lesson 10 of 11
New
New
- Year 4
Age: 'tener' meaning 'be'
Learning outcomes
I can say how old I am and ask someone their age using 'tener'.
I can distinguish between the sounds [n] and [ñ].
Lesson details
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- The sounds [n] and [ñ] are pronounced differently.
- Numbers 1-12 go before the noun to indicate how many. Numbers don't change spelling for gender.
- The verb 'tener' means 'to have, having' and with certain nouns, it also means 'to be, being'.
- We combine 'tener + number + años' to talk about age.
- To ask someone's age, say '¿Cuántos años tienes?'.
Keywords
Tengo - means 'I have' and is part of the verb 'tener'; in certain expressions 'tengo' also means 'I am'
Tienes - means 'you have' and is part of the verb 'tener'; in certain expressions 'tienes' also means 'you are'
Common misconception
The verb 'tener' has one meaning, 'to have, having'.
The verb 'tener' means 'to have, having' and with certain nouns, it also means 'to be, being'.
The last speaking exercise provides lots of opportunity to practise questioning and answering as well as numbers and 'tener' meaning 'to be, being' so can be repeated with different partners for additional practice.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which sound-spelling correspondence is missing from these words? _oche, ma_o, _ostros
Which sound-spelling correspondence is missing from these words? _oche, ma_o, _ostros
ñ
Q2.Match the Spanish and English.
Match the Spanish and English.
Q3.'I am hungry'. Which is the correct translation?
'I am hungry'. Which is the correct translation?
Tengo sed.
Soy hambre.
Soy sed.
Estoy hambre.
Q4.Order these words to say, 'I am right. You are ten years old'.
Order these words to say, 'I am right. You are ten years old'.
Q5.In which sentences does 'tener' mean 'to be, being'?
In which sentences does 'tener' mean 'to be, being'?
Tiene un estuche.
Tiene un libro.
Q6.Write in Spanish: 'You are thirsty'.
Write in Spanish: 'You are thirsty'.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which sound-spelling correspondence is missing from these words? ma_ana, espa_ol, monta_a
Which sound-spelling correspondence is missing from these words? ma_ana, espa_ol, monta_a
n
Q2.Match the Spanish and English.
Match the Spanish and English.
Q3.What are the next three numbers in this sequence? dos, cuatro, seis .
What are the next three numbers in this sequence? dos, cuatro, seis .
ocho, nueve, diez
uno, dos, tres
siete, ocho, nueve
nueve, ocho, siete
Q4.Match the Spanish and English.
Match the Spanish and English.
Q5.Which words do you need to translate the question 'How old are you'?
Which words do you need to translate the question 'How old are you'?
eres
cuándo
Q6.Write in Spanish: 'I am nine years old.'
Write in Spanish: 'I am nine years old.'
