Italian Verb: **Tenere**
Introduction
The verb tenere is an important Italian verb used to express the idea of holding or keeping something. It is often utilized in both literal and figurative contexts, making it a versatile tool in everyday communication.
Conjugation of Tenere
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Io | tengo |
| Tu | tieni |
| Lui/Lei | tiene |
| Noi | teniamo |
| Voi | tenete |
| Loro | tengono |
Usage Examples
1. Literal Context: Holding Something
- Io tengo il libro.
- I am holding the book.
- Tieni la chiave, per favore.
- Hold the key, please.
- Lui tiene la bottiglia.
- He is holding the bottle.
2. Figurative Context: Keeping Something
- Noi teniamo un segreto.
- We are keeping a secret.
- Voi tenete i documenti importanti.
- You keep the important documents.
- Loro tengono una promessa.
- They keep a promise.
3. Extended Usage: Maintaining or Managing
- Tengo il telefono in modalità silenziosa.
- I keep the phone on silent mode.
- Lei tiene tutto sotto controllo.
- She keeps everything under control.
- Teniamo l'ufficio pulito.
- We keep the office clean.
Key Phrases with Tenere
- Tenere in mente
- To keep in mind
- Tenere d'occhio
- To keep an eye on
- Tenere conto di
- To take into account
Conclusion
Tenere is a crucial verb in Italian that conveys the notions of holding, keeping, and maintaining. Whether you're physically holding an object or figuratively keeping a secret, tenere helps articulate these important ideas in communication.