Spanish Phrase
Tengo una emergencia.
Meaning
Literally, ‘I have an emergency.’ It is used to alert someone that you are facing a sudden, urgent situation that requires immediate attention, whether medical, safety‑related, or otherwise. The phrase is direct and conveys a sense of urgency, so it is often followed by a request for help or clarification of the problem.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to inform a friend, a colleague, a service provider, or emergency personnel that you are in a critical situation. It works in both formal and informal contexts, but in very formal settings you might add a polite preface such as ‘Disculpe, pero…’. It is especially handy when you cannot yet explain the details of the problem.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tengounaemergencia
Tener (present)
‘Tengo’ is the first‑person singular present of the verb ‘tener’, used to express possession or a state, e.g., ‘I have…’.
Indefinite article ‘una’
‘Una’ is the feminine singular indefinite article, matching the gender of the noun that follows.
Noun gender – emergencia
‘Emergencia’ is a feminine noun; therefore it takes ‘una’ and any adjectives must agree in gender.
🗨In Conversation
Tengo una emergencia, ¿puedes ayudarme?
I have an emergency, can you help me?
Claro, dime qué pasa y llamaremos a una ambulancia si es necesario.
Sure, tell me what's happening and we'll call an ambulance if needed.
✕Common Mistakes
Tengo un emergencia.
‘Emergencia’ is feminine, so the article must be ‘una’, not ‘un’.
Tengo emergencia.
The noun needs an article; omitting it sounds unnatural.
Tengo una emergencias.
Use the singular form unless you are talking about multiple emergencies.
↔Alternatives
Necesito ayuda urgentemente.
I need help urgently.
Hay una urgencia.
There's an emergency.
Estoy en una situación de emergencia.
I am in an emergency situation.
Cultural Tip
In Spanish‑speaking countries the emergency phone numbers differ: 112 works across the EU, 911 is common in Mexico and parts of Central America, and 911 or 999 in many South American nations. When you say ‘Tengo una emergencia’, it’s polite to follow up with the specific type (medical, fire, police) so responders can dispatch the right help. Also, keep your tone calm; shouting can be interpreted as panic and may delay assistance.