Thread: estoy vs tengo

I just started using Memrise to help learn Spanish. estoy and tengo are an issue for me in one lesson.

According to the software.

estoy enferma = I am sick
tengo hambre = I am hungry

It states that "estoy" = I am (temporary), while "tengo" = I have.

Since both of these words that come after estoy and tengo are "feelings" in my opinion, how can I work this out to understand which word to use when I need to?

I would have never associated tengo with "I am". I would have said "estoy hambre".

Originally Posted by vicente

I understand your confusion. You must realize that just as in English, there are verbs that have more than one meaning (in some, LOTS more). In this case "tener" means to have. It applies in several common Spanish uses which are uncommon in English. I'm hungry=tengo hambre; I'm thirsty=tengo sed; I have a headache=tengo dolor de cabeza; I have to go=tengo que ir.

When you say I'm sick (estoy enferma) you are likely to hear "que tiene?" (what do you have?).

Thanks vicente

Would there be confusion if I say "estoy hambre"?

I think that can be used both in any case.

Tengo Hambre / Estoy Hambriento.
Tengo una Enfermedad / Estoy Enfermo.

Originally Posted by usmdesigner

Thanks vicente

Would there be confusion if I say "estoy hambre"?

Hi, well, we would understand....but this is like saying:

I have hungry.

you would understand, right? But it is simply not said this way