Spanish Phrase
¿Cuántos años tienen estos electrodomésticos?
Meaning
This phrase is used to ask about the age of household machines like refrigerators, ovens, or washing machines. In Spanish, age is expressed using the verb 'tener' (to have) rather than 'ser' (to be), literally asking how many years the objects 'have'.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are looking at a rental apartment, buying used goods, or discussing home maintenance with a technician. It is a practical question for assessing the condition and longevity of household equipment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuántosañostienenestoselectrodomésticos?
Cuántos (Agreement)
This interrogative adjective must match the masculine plural noun 'años'.
Tener for Age
In Spanish, you 'have' years rather than 'being' a certain age. 'Tienen' is the third-person plural form.
Compound Words
'Electrodomésticos' combines 'eléctrico' and 'doméstico', a common way Spanish forms technical nouns.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuántos años tienen estos electrodomésticos?
How old are these appliances?
Tienen solo dos años, están casi nuevos.
They are only two years old, they are almost new.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Qué tan viejos son estos electrodomésticos?
Avoid using 'ser' to ask for age; Spanish uses 'tener' (to have) for age-related questions.
¿Cuántos años tiene estos electrodomésticos?
The verb must be plural ('tienen') to agree with the plural subject 'electrodomésticos'.
↔Alternatives
¿De qué año son estos aparatos?
What year are these devices from?
¿Hace cuánto tiempo se compraron estos electrodomésticos?
How long ago were these appliances bought?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking regions, 'electrodomésticos' refers specifically to 'white goods' like large kitchen appliances. When renting, it is culturally acceptable and even expected to ask about their age to ensure they are energy-efficient and won't break down soon.