Why is indefinite article omitted in 'I have a garden'

Linda C.B2Kwiziq community member

Why is indefinite article omitted in 'I have a garden'

Why does 'I have a garden' translate as 'Tengo jardín'? How do you know when to omit the definite article?

Asked 3 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hola Linda

As Marsha said, we often omit it with certain sentences when we are talking about things in a very general way. You often hear: 

¿Tienes trabajo?

Do you have a job?

¿Tienes coche?

Do you have a car?

¿Tienes dinero?

Do you have some money?

Saludos

Inma

Marsha C.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

The indefinite article is frequently omitted after forms of tener (to have)when referring to things that people would normally have or use one at a time.

Linda C. asked:

Why is indefinite article omitted in 'I have a garden'

Why does 'I have a garden' translate as 'Tengo jardín'? How do you know when to omit the definite article?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your Spanish level for FREE

Test your Spanish to the CEFR standard

Find your Spanish level
Thinking...