aguanta
“aguanta” means “holds” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
holds, hold
Also: supports, bears
📝 In Action
Esta viga aguanta todo el techo de la casa.
B1This beam supports the entire roof of the house.
¡Aguanta la caja con las dos manos o se cae!
A2Hold the box with both hands or it will fall!
endures, tolerates
Also: puts up with, bears
📝 In Action
Mi abuela aguanta el calor del verano sin aire acondicionado.
B1My grandmother endures the summer heat without air conditioning.
Ella no aguanta el ruido de la construcción.
B2She doesn't tolerate the construction noise.
¡Aguanta la presión! Ya casi terminas el examen.
B2Bear the pressure! You're almost done with the exam.
Wait!, Hold on!
Also: Hang on!
📝 In Action
—¿Ya salimos? —¡Aguanta, tengo que buscar mis llaves!
A2—Should we leave now? —Wait, I have to find my keys!
Aguanta un segundo, el autobús ya viene.
B1Hold on a second, the bus is coming now.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: aguanta
Question 1 of 2
Which of these situations requires the verb 'aguanta' in the imperative (command) form?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish verb 'aguantar,' which likely comes from a blend of the prefix 'a-' (to/toward) and the verb 'guantar,' an older form of 'guante' (glove), suggesting the idea of 'holding onto something firmly.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'aguanta' is a command or a statement?
If 'aguanta' is used at the beginning of a sentence, often followed by an exclamation point (¡Aguanta!), or if it's clearly directed at 'tú' (you, informal), it's a command ('Hold on!'). If it follows a subject like 'él,' 'ella,' or 'usted,' it's usually a statement ('He/She/You holds/endures').
Can I use 'aguanta' to talk about waiting for a long time?
Yes, absolutely! The command '¡Aguanta!' is a very common, informal way to tell someone to 'wait' or 'hold on' in a conversation, especially on the phone.