Spanish word

mantener

Pronunciation

IPA/manteˈneɾ/

Meaning

  • verbkeep

Example

Hay que mantener la calma en situaciones difíciles.

You must keep calm in difficult situations.

Illustration for mantener (keep)

More examples

Es importante mantener el contacto con amigos que viven en el extranjero.

It is important to keep in contact with friends who live abroad.

Core concept

Hand holding an object steady.

Common phrases

  • mantener el contacto

    keep in contact

  • mantener una conversación

    keep a conversation going

Similar words

conservar: Keep an object or condition in good or unchanged state over time.
sostener: Physically support something to keep it in place or upright.
apoyar: Support a person, cause, or opinion by helping or endorsing.
guardar: Put an item away and keep it safe or preserved.

Definition in Spanish

Hacer que algo siga igual o conservarlo; también mantener a una persona con apoyo económico y sostener una opinión.

Word origin

From Latin manu 'hand' + tenēre 'to hold', originally 'hold by the hand' and later 'keep, support, or assert'.

Usage tips

  • The phrase mantener que is more common in formal or written Spanish, while in speech speakers often use decir, afirmar, or sostener to express 'maintain that'.

Other meanings

  • supportverb
  • assertverb

Opposites

Related words

  • mantenimientomaintenancenoun
  • manteniblemaintainableadjective
  • mantenidomaintainedadjective

Word lists with this word