Spanish Phrase
Tengo 25 años.
Meaning
This is the standard way to express age in Spanish. Unlike English, which uses the verb 'to be', Spanish uses the verb 'tener' (to have) to indicate the number of years a person has accumulated.
When to use
Use this phrase in social or professional settings when introducing yourself or answering a question about your age. It is the most common and direct way to state how old you are.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tengo25años
Tener (to have)
'Tengo' is the first-person singular present form of the verb 'tener'. Always use 'tener' for age.
Noun-Number Agreement
'Años' is plural to match the number 25. If you were 1, you would say 'un año'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuántos años tienes?
How old are you?
Tengo 25 años.
I am 25 years old.
✕Common Mistakes
Soy 25 años.
English speakers often incorrectly use 'ser' (to be) instead of 'tener' (to have) for age.
Tengo 25 anos.
Be careful with the 'ñ'; 'anos' refers to an anatomical part, while 'años' means years.
↔Alternatives
Tengo veinticinco.
I'm twenty-five.
Acabo de cumplir 25.
I just turned 25.
Cultural Tip
In Spanish-speaking cultures, stating your age is very straightforward. However, remember that the 'ñ' is a distinct letter in the alphabet; forgetting the tilde in 'años' is a frequent source of humor or embarrassment for beginners.