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mantenernos

/mahn-teh-NEHR-nohs/

to keep ourselves

Two people sitting calmly on a park bench under a large tree, looking peaceful.

Mantenernos: To keep ourselves in a state of peace and calm.

mantenernos(verb)

A2irregular (like 'tener') er

to keep ourselves

?

remaining in a specific physical or emotional state

Also:

to stay

?

remaining in a condition, e.g., staying united

📝 In Action

Debemos mantenernos unidos en los momentos difíciles.

A2

We must stay united in difficult moments.

Hacemos ejercicio para mantenernos sanos.

A2

We exercise to keep ourselves healthy.

Es importante mantenernos en contacto.

B1

It is important for us to stay in touch.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • quedarnos (to stay/remain)
  • conservarnos (to preserve ourselves)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • mantenernos en forma – to keep ourselves in shape
  • mantenernos informados – to keep ourselves informed
  • mantenernos alerta – to stay alert

💡 Grammar Points

The '-nos' ending

The suffix '-nos' is a pronoun that means 'us' or 'ourselves.' In Spanish, you can attach it directly to the end of the base verb (mantener) when it is in its original form.

Irregular root

This verb is based on 'tener' (to have). Just like 'tener' becomes 'tengo' and 'tuve,' 'mantener' becomes 'mantengo' and 'mantuve.'

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong person

Mistake: "Using 'mantenernos' when you mean 'myself.'"

Correction: Use 'mantenerme' for 'myself,' 'mantenerte' for 'yourself,' and 'mantenernos' ONLY for 'ourselves.'

⭐ Usage Tips

Reflexive Power

Whenever you want to say 'to stay' + an adjective (like 'stay calm' or 'stay busy'), 'mantenernos' is your go-to word for a group.

A small garden with various vegetables growing, providing food.

Mantenernos: To support ourselves through our own resources.

mantenernos(verb)

B1irregular er

to support ourselves

?

financial independence or survival

Also:

to provide for ourselves

?

earning enough money for food and housing

📝 In Action

Trabajamos duro para poder mantenernos sin ayuda.

B1

We work hard to be able to support ourselves without help.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sustentarnos (to sustain ourselves)

Common Collocations

  • mantenernos económicamente – to support ourselves financially

💡 Grammar Points

Reflexive meaning

In this context, the verb acts reflexively because the group is providing support to itself.

🔄 Conjugations

subjunctive

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedesmantuvieran
yomantuviere
túmantuvieras
vosotrosmantuvierais
nosotrosmantuviéramos
él/ella/ustedmantuviera

present

ellos/ellas/ustedesmantengan
yomantenga
túmantengas
vosotrosmantengáis
nosotrosmantengamos
él/ella/ustedmantenga

indicative

preterite

ellos/ellas/ustedesmantuvieron
yomantuve
túmantuviste
vosotrosmantuvisteis
nosotrosmantuvimos
él/ella/ustedmantuvo

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedesmantenían
yomantenía
túmantenías
vosotrosmanteníais
nosotrosmanteníamos
él/ella/ustedmantenía

present

ellos/ellas/ustedesmantienen
yomantengo
túmantienes
vosotrosmantenéis
nosotrosmantenemos
él/ella/ustedmantiene
View All Tenses & Moods →

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: mantenernos

Question 1 of 2

Which of these phrases means 'to keep ourselves in shape'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'mantenernos' one word or two?

It is written as one word. In Spanish, object pronouns (like 'nos') are attached to the end of infinitives, gerunds, and affirmative commands.

Does it conjugate differently than 'mantener'?

No. The verb part ('mantener') follows all the normal irregular rules of 'mantener.' You simply add 'nos' to the end of the infinitive form.