Spanish Phrase
Tengo reuniones toda la mañana.
Meaning
This phrase indicates that the speaker is busy with professional or formal appointments throughout the entire morning period. It combines the verb 'tener' with a specific duration to explain unavailability.
When to use
Use this in a work environment or when talking to friends to explain why you cannot meet or answer calls before lunch. It is a standard way to describe a busy schedule.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tengoreunionestodalamañana
Tengo
The first-person singular present form of 'tener', used here to express a scheduled obligation.
Toda la mañana
A fixed expression where the adjective 'toda' (all/whole) must agree in gender and number with the feminine noun 'mañana'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Podemos hablar a las once?
Can we talk at eleven?
Lo siento, tengo reuniones toda la mañana.
I'm sorry, I have meetings all morning.
✕Common Mistakes
Tengo reuniones por toda la mañana.
In Spanish, 'toda la mañana' already expresses the duration, so adding 'por' is unnecessary and sounds unnatural.
Soy reuniones toda la mañana.
Use the verb 'tener' (to have) to describe your schedule; 'ser' (to be) implies you are the meetings themselves.
↔Alternatives
Estoy ocupado toda la mañana.
I am busy all morning.
Tengo una mañana muy llena.
I have a very full morning.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, 'la mañana' can last until the mid-afternoon meal (almuerzo), which often takes place between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Mentioning you are busy all morning usually implies you won't be free until late afternoon.