aguantar
/a-gwan-TAR/
to tolerate
Aguantar can mean to tolerate, like enduring a difficult or annoying situation with patience.
aguantar(verb)
to tolerate
?enduring a difficult situation or person
,to put up with
?handling annoyance or discomfort
to stand
?colloquial for 'to tolerate'
,to endure
?formal synonym for 'to put up with'
📝 In Action
No aguanto el ruido de mis vecinos por la noche.
A2I can't stand the noise from my neighbors at night.
Ella aguantó la presión del examen final con mucha calma.
B1She endured the pressure of the final exam very calmly.
¿Puedes aguantar hasta que lleguemos al restaurante?
A2Can you hold on (or endure) until we get to the restaurant?
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Object Needed
When using 'aguantar' to mean 'tolerate,' you usually need to say what you are tolerating immediately afterward (e.g., 'Aguanto el calor'—I tolerate the heat).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Esperar'
Mistake: "Using 'aguantar' when you simply mean 'to wait' for a specific time or event ('Aguanto el bus')."
Correction: Use 'esperar' for waiting ('Espero el bus'). Use 'aguantar' when the waiting involves endurance or difficulty.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Frustration
A very common, strong way to express frustration is using the negative: 'No lo aguanto más' (I can't stand it anymore).
Aguantar also means to hold (up), specifically supporting physical weight.
aguantar(verb)
to hold (up)
?physically supporting weight
,to bear weight
?carrying a load
to sustain
?keeping something stable
📝 In Action
Esta mesa no aguanta tanto peso; es muy vieja.
B1This table won't hold up that much weight; it's very old.
El pilar central aguanta todo el techo.
B2The central pillar supports the entire roof.
Aguanta la cuerda con fuerza para que no se caiga.
B1Hold the rope tightly so it doesn't fall.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with Reflexive Pronouns
If you are holding yourself up (like holding onto a rail), you often add the reflexive 'se': 'Se aguantó de la barandilla' (He held himself up by the railing).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Soportar'
Mistake: "Sometimes learners default to 'soportar' for physical holding, but 'aguantar' often sounds more natural for bearing weight or pressure."
Correction: While 'soportar' works, 'aguantar' is a great, versatile choice for both physical and emotional endurance.
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Hold On' Command
To tell someone to physically hold something steady, use the imperative: '¡Aguanta fuerte!' (Hold tight!).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: aguantar
Question 1 of 2
Which English word best captures the meaning of 'aguantar' in the sentence: 'Mi coche viejo ya no aguanta los viajes largos.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'aguantar' the same as 'soportar'?
They are very similar! Both mean 'to tolerate' or 'to bear.' In most cases, you can use them interchangeably. However, 'aguantar' often feels slightly more focused on the personal act of enduring or resisting hardship, while 'soportar' can sometimes be more neutral when discussing physical support.
How do I use 'aguantar' when talking about holding my breath?
You use the reflexive form and the specific noun: 'aguantar la respiración' (to hold one's breath). For example: 'No puedo aguantar la respiración por mucho tiempo' (I can't hold my breath for a long time).