Spanish Phrase
Tengo una cita.
Meaning
Literally ‘I have an appointment.’ The phrase can refer to a medical or business appointment, or a romantic date, depending on the surrounding conversation. It simply states that the speaker is scheduled to meet someone or attend an event.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to tell someone you are busy, excuse yourself from a plan, or confirm that you have a scheduled meeting. It works in both formal (doctor, interview) and informal (date) contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tengounacita
Tengo (tener)
First‑person singular present of the verb *tener* (to have). It is irregular in the present tense: tengo, tienes, tiene...
una (indefinite article)
Feminine singular indefinite article, used because *cita* is a feminine noun.
cita (noun)
A feminine noun meaning ‘appointment’ or ‘date’; the exact meaning is clarified by context.
🗨In Conversation
¿Quieres salir esta noche?
Do you want to go out tonight?
Lo siento, tengo una cita.
Sorry, I have an appointment.
✕Common Mistakes
Tengo un cita.
The noun *cita* is feminine; the correct article is *una*.
Soy una cita.
Use *tener* to express possession; *ser* would mean ‘I am an appointment,’ which is nonsensical.
↔Alternatives
Tengo una reunión.
I have a meeting.
Tengo una entrevista.
I have an interview.
Tengo una cita médica.
I have a medical appointment.
Tengo una cita con mi novio.
I have a date with my boyfriend.
Cultural Tip
In most Spanish‑speaking countries *cita* can mean both a professional appointment and a romantic date. To avoid ambiguity, speakers often add a qualifier: *cita médica* (doctor’s appointment) or *cita con María* (date with María). Remember that *cita* is feminine, so the article must be *una*.