mantenerla
“mantenerla” means “to keep it” in Spanish (referring to a feminine noun like 'la casa' or 'la calma').
to keep it
Also: to support her, to maintain it
📝 In Action
Tengo una promesa y voy a mantenerla.
A2I have a promise and I am going to keep it.
Es una casa grande y cuesta mucho mantenerla.
B1It is a big house and it costs a lot to maintain it.
Ella perdió su empleo y sus padres deben mantenerla.
B1She lost her job and her parents have to support her.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mantenerla
Question 1 of 2
If you are talking about 'la casa' (the house) and you want to say 'to keep it clean,' which word do you use?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'manus' (hand) and 'tenere' (to hold). It literally means 'to hold in the hand,' which evolved into the sense of keeping something in a certain state.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I say 'la mantener' instead of 'mantenerla'?
No. When the verb is in its basic 'to' form (infinitive), the 'la' must be attached to the end. You only put 'la' in front when you conjugate the verb (e.g., 'la mantengo').
Does this word only mean financial support?
No, it is very versatile! It can mean keeping a secret, maintaining a building, or even keeping your cool.