atener
“atener” means “to abide by” in Spanish (following rules or agreements).
to abide by, to stick to
Also: to comply with, to deal with
📝 In Action
Tienes que atenerte a las reglas del club.
B1You have to abide by the club rules.
Si decides irte, tendrás que atenerte a las consecuencias.
B2If you decide to leave, you will have to deal with the consequences.
Por favor, aténganse a los hechos y no a los rumores.
C1Please, stick to the facts and not the rumors.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: atener
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the correct 'Yo' form in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'attinēre,' which means 'to hold to' or 'to reach toward.' It combines 'ad' (to) and 'tenere' (to hold).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'atener' ever used without the 'se'?
Rarely. In modern Spanish, it is almost exclusively used as 'atenerse' (reflexive).
Is it more common in Spain or Latin America?
It is used equally in both, primarily in formal contexts or common phrases like 'atenerse a las consecuencias.'
How do I remember the irregular forms?
Just remember the verb 'tener.' Every change that happens to 'tener' (like 'tuve' or 'tendré') happens exactly the same way to 'atener'.