mantenerse
/mahn-teh-NEHR-seh/
to remain
Mantenerse: To remain, or to continue in a specific state or condition.
mantenerse(verb)
to remain
?to continue in a specific state or condition
,to stay
?to keep oneself in a certain way
to keep one's balance
?physically steady
,to stick to
?to maintain a position or opinion
📝 In Action
Ella se mantiene muy activa a pesar de su edad.
A2She remains very active despite her age.
Necesitas mantenerte concentrado durante el examen.
B1You need to stay focused during the exam.
Si no te agarras, no te vas a mantener de pie.
B1If you don't hold on, you won't keep standing (keep your balance).
💡 Grammar Points
The '-se' Ending (Reflexive)
The '-se' means the action reflects back on the person doing it. Here, it means 'to keep/maintain oneself' in a certain state.
Irregularity Pattern
Like 'tener' (to have), the 'yo' form in the present tense uses '-go' (me mantengo), and the preterite (past simple) is completely irregular (me mantuve).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "Yo mantengo tranquilo. (Incorrect)"
Correction: Yo me mantengo tranquilo. (Correct). Remember the 'me, te, se, nos' is required when you mean 'to keep oneself'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Perfect for States of Being
Use 'mantenerse' instead of 'estar' when you want to emphasize the effort or continuity required to keep a certain condition (e.g., healthy, calm, informed).
Mantenerse: To support oneself (financially).
mantenerse(verb)
to support oneself
?financially
,to make a living
?earning enough money to live
to survive
?in difficult circumstances
📝 In Action
Es difícil mantenerse en esta ciudad sin un buen trabajo.
B2It is difficult to support oneself in this city without a good job.
¿Cómo se mantiene con solo medio tiempo?
B2How does she make a living with only part-time work?
Decidió mantenerse por su cuenta y mudarse.
C1He decided to support himself independently and move out.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
When 'mantenerse' is used with phrases like 'con poco dinero' (with little money) or 'trabajando' (working), it almost always means financial self-sufficiency.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'mantener' vs. 'mantenerse'
Use the base verb 'mantener' when you maintain an external thing (e.g., 'mantener la casa limpia' - maintain the house clean). Use 'mantenerse' when you maintain yourself (e.g., 'mantenerse saludable' - keep yourself healthy).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mantenerse
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'mantenerse' in the sense of 'to support oneself financially'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'mantener' and 'mantenerse'?
'Mantener' is used when you keep or maintain something else (a thing or another person). 'Mantenerse' (with the '-se') is used when you keep or maintain *yourself*—whether that's keeping a state (healthy, quiet) or keeping yourself financially supported.
Is 'mantenerse' always irregular?
Yes. It follows the irregular pattern of 'tener' (to have). This means the present tense has a 'go' ending for 'yo' (me mantengo) and the simple past (preterite) uses the stem 'mantu-' (me mantuve). You must memorize these changes!