mantengan
“mantengan” means “keep” in Spanish (maintain a state or condition).
keep, maintain
Also: hold, support
📝 In Action
Es crucial que ustedes mantengan la calma durante la emergencia.
B1It is crucial that you all keep calm during the emergency.
¡Mantengan una distancia segura de las vías!
A2Maintain a safe distance from the tracks!
Ojalá que los precios se mantengan estables este año.
B2Hopefully, prices will remain stable this year.
Les pedimos que mantengan las puertas cerradas en todo momento.
B1We ask you (plural) to keep the doors closed at all times.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mantengan
Question 1 of 2
Which English structure is most similar to the use of 'mantengan' in the sentence 'Es importante que mantengan la calma'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'mantener' comes from the Latin phrase *manu tenēre*, meaning 'to hold in the hand.' This perfectly captures the idea of holding onto something, whether it's an object, a promise, or a state of being.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'mantener' change so much? It seems very irregular!
'Mantener' is irregular because it copies the pattern of the highly common verb 'tener' (to have). Since 'tener' changes its stem in many tenses (like 'tengo' or 'tuve'), 'mantener' does the same (like 'mantengo' or 'mantuve'). Just remember the 'tener' pattern, and you'll know 'mantener'!
When do I use 'mantengan' versus 'mantienen'?
Use 'mantienen' (the normal present tense) when you are stating a fact: 'Ellos mantienen una casa grande' (They maintain a big house). Use 'mantengan' (the special form) when you are expressing a wish, a command, or something uncertain: 'Quiero que mantengan la casa limpia' (I want them to keep the house clean).