Chapter 12 — Boyfriend
Different meanings behind the same sentence.
"Tengo novio" (I have a boyfriend) can mean different things. Sometimes it's true. Sometimes it's a polite way to say no. Sometimes she's testing you. Read her tone and body language. If she says it with a smile or continues talking, she might be open. If she says it firmly and turns away, respect it.
Firm "No"
Her: Tengo novio.
Word-by-word: I-have boyfriend.
Natural English: I have a boyfriend.
Tone: Firm, direct, no smile, turning away.
Your reply: Vale, sin problema. Que tengas buen día.
Word-by-word: Okay, without problem. That you-have good day.
Natural English: Okay, no problem. Have a good day.
Why: Respect it immediately. Don't push.
Polite "No"
Her: Tengo novio, pero gracias.
Word-by-word: I-have boyfriend, but thanks.
Natural English: I have a boyfriend, but thanks.
Tone: Polite, maybe a small smile, but still a no.
Your reply: Sin problema. Que disfrutes.
Word-by-word: Without problem. That you-enjoy.
Natural English: No problem. Enjoy.
Why: Accept it gracefully. She's being polite.
Testing You
Her: Tengo novio... pero podemos ser amigos.
Word-by-word: I-have boyfriend... but we-can to-be friends.
Natural English: I have a boyfriend... but we can be friends.
Tone: Hesitant, maybe a smile, continues talking.
Your reply: Vale, perfecto. ¿Cómo te llamas?
Word-by-word: Okay, perfect. How yourself you-call?
Natural English: Okay, perfect. What's your name?
Why: Accepts her boundary but continues the conversation.
Open but Cautious
Her: Tengo novio, pero no pasa nada por hablar.
Word-by-word: I-have boyfriend, but not passes nothing for to-talk.
Natural English: I have a boyfriend, but there's nothing wrong with talking.
Tone: Open, continues engaging.
Your reply: Claro, solo quería conocerte. ¿De dónde eres?
Word-by-word: Clear, only I-wanted to-meet-you. From where are-you?
Natural English: Of course, I just wanted to meet you. Where are you from?
Why: Respects her relationship but continues building connection.
She Mentions Him Casually
Her: Mi novio y yo venimos aquí a menudo.
Word-by-word: My boyfriend and I we-come here often.
Natural English: My boyfriend and I come here often.
Tone: Casual mention, not defensive.
Your reply: Ah, vale. ¿Qué te gusta de este lugar?
Word-by-word: Ah, okay. What to-you it-likes of this place?
Natural English: Ah, okay. What do you like about this place?
Why: Acknowledges it without making it awkward, continues conversation.
Key Points
- Read her tone and body language—not just her words
- If she says it firmly and turns away, respect it immediately
- If she says it but continues talking, she might be open to friendship or more
- Don't try to convince her or question her relationship
- Don't be disrespectful about her boyfriend
- If she's open to talking, continue naturally—don't make it weird
- Respect her boundaries—if she says no, it's a no
- Sometimes "tengo novio" is just a polite way to say no—accept it gracefully