The verb "tener" is Spanish for "to have." It is commonly used to express possession, age, and certain physical states or conditions. For example, one might say "Tengo un libro" (I have a book) or "Ella tiene 20 años" (She is 20 years old). In addition to possession, "tener" is also used in various idiomatic expressions. For instance, "tener hambre" means "to be hungry," while "tener miedo" translates to "to be afraid." Understanding how to use "tener" is essential for effective communication in Spanish-speaking contexts.