Forgetting the Accent

When you see a pronoun like 'te' attached to a verb, it usually means the action is happening to 'you.' Here, 'mantenerte' is the same as 'to keep you' or 'to keep yourself.'

The 'te' at the End

You can only attach pronouns (like 'te') to three verb forms: the infinitive (mantenerte), the gerund (manteniéndote), and the affirmative command (mantente).

When to Attach Pronouns

The 'te' means you are speaking to someone informally (tú). If you were speaking formally (usted), you would use 'mantenerse' (or 'mantenerlo/la' in some contexts).

Informal 'You'

Extremely common, especially in discussions about lifestyle, health, and status.

In this context, the 'te' is essential because the action (maintaining) is directed back at the person doing it (you).

Self-Sustaining Action

When used with no object, 'mantenerte' usually implies supporting yourself financially, though context is always key.

Implied Money

Very common when discussing finances, independence, or livelihood.

When you use 'mantener' to talk about your own body or health, it almost always requires the 'te' (or 'se' if formal) because you are the one receiving the benefit of the action.

Reflexive Use

Common in conversations about health, diet, and exercise.

Learn the meaning and conjugation of 'mantenerte' (to keep yourself, to stay, to support yourself). Discover how to use this irregular reflexive verb correctly in Spanish conversations about health, status, and finance.

mantenerte

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations