Spanish Phrase
¿Tenemos examen hoy?
Meaning
A direct question asking whether there is an exam scheduled for today. It implies the speaker is checking the class agenda or confirming a rumor.
When to use
Use this phrase in a classroom, study group, or when talking to a teacher to verify if an exam is happening today. It works in both formal and informal settings, though you might add ‘profesor/a’ for extra politeness.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Tenemosexamenhoy?
Tenemos (present of tener)
‘Tenemos’ is the first‑person plural present of ‘tener’, used here to ask if we possess/are scheduled for something.
examen (noun)
A masculine singular noun meaning ‘exam’ or ‘test’. It does not need an article when used after ‘tener’.
hoy (adverb of time)
Means ‘today’. Placed at the end of the sentence for emphasis, but can also appear before the noun.
Interrogative punctuation
Spanish questions are enclosed by opening (¿) and closing (?) marks; both are required.
🗨In Conversation
¿Tenemos examen hoy?
Do we have an exam today?
Sí, a las diez en el salón 3.
Yes, at ten o’clock in room 3.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Es examen hoy?
‘Ser’ is used for identity or permanent traits, not for scheduled events. Use ‘tener’ or ‘haber’ instead.
¿Tenemos examen ahora?
‘Ahora’ means ‘right now’; the question is about the whole day, so ‘hoy’ is appropriate.
¿Tenemos un examen hoy?
When using ‘tener’, the noun does not need an article. Adding ‘un’ sounds unnatural.
↔Alternatives
¿Hay examen hoy?
Is there an exam today?
¿Tenemos prueba hoy?
Do we have a test today?
¿Tenemos examen esta mañana?
Do we have an exam this morning?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries the word ‘examen’ is used for formal, written assessments, while ‘prueba’ often refers to a shorter quiz or oral test. When speaking to a teacher, adding ‘por favor’ or using the formal ‘¿Tenemos examen hoy, profesor?’ shows respect. Also, note that school schedules are usually posted on a ‘pizarra’ (blackboard) or a digital platform, so checking there first is common practice.