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mantenerlo

man-teh-NEHR-lohmanteˈneɾlo

“mantenerlo” means “to maintain it” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

to maintain it, to keep it

Also: to hold it
ContractionB1irregular (like tener) er
A child carefully holding a small blue watering can and gently watering a vibrant green potted plant on a bright windowsill.
infinitivemantener
gerundmanteniendo
past Participlemantenido

📝 In Action

Es difícil mantenerlo limpio con niños pequeños.

B1

It is difficult to keep it clean with small children.

Necesitas trabajar duro para mantenerlo en secreto.

B2

You need to work hard to keep it a secret.

Intentamos mantenerlo en la misma posición.

B1

We tried to maintain it in the same position.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • conservarlo (to preserve it)
  • sostenerlo (to hold it up)

Antonyms

  • abandonarlo (to abandon it)
  • soltarlo (to let go of it)

Common Collocations

  • mantenerlo a flote – to keep it afloat
  • mantenerlo en secreto – to keep it secret

to support him, to provide for him

Also: to sustain him
ContractionB2irregular (like tener) er
A tall person firmly grasping the hand of a smaller person, pulling them up and helping them step over a large, round obstacle.
infinitivemantener
gerundmanteniendo
past Participlemantenido

📝 In Action

Le prometió a su madre que iba a mantenerlo.

B2

He promised his mother that he was going to support him (a relative, perhaps).

Es nuestro deber mantenerlo con vida.

C1

It is our duty to keep him alive.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sustentarlo (to sustain him/it)
  • financiarlo (to finance it)

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: mantenerlo

Question 1 of 2

Which English phrase best captures the meaning of 'Tenemos que mantenerlo' when referring to a difficult relationship?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
mantener(to maintain (infinitive)) — Verb
el mantenimiento(maintenance) — Noun
la mantención(upkeep, support (used regionally)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The verb 'mantener' comes from the Latin *manu tenēre*, literally meaning 'to hold in the hand.' This origin perfectly explains its modern meanings of holding, keeping, supporting, and maintaining.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish (around the 13th century)

Cognates (Related words)

French: maintenirItalian: mantenere

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'mantenerlo' one word instead of two?

When the main verb is in its base form (infinitive), the little object pronouns like 'lo' (it/him) must attach directly to the end of the verb, forming a single, longer word.

Can I use 'mantener' with other pronouns, like 'la' or 'los'?

Absolutely! If you are talking about keeping a feminine thing (like 'la promesa'), you would say 'mantenerla.' If you are keeping several things, you would use 'mantenerlos' or 'mantenerlas.'