mantente
/mahn-TEHN-teh/
Stay
If someone tells you to 'mantente' (stay), you remain right where you are.
mantente(Verb (Command Form))
Stay
?Remain in a certain state or place
,Keep yourself
?Maintain a personal condition (e.g., 'keep yourself safe')
Hold on
?Figurative, encouraging someone to persist
📝 In Action
Mantente alejado del fuego, por favor.
A2Stay away from the fire, please.
Si quieres tener éxito, mantente enfocado en tus metas.
B1If you want to be successful, keep focused on your goals.
No te rindas, ¡mantente fuerte!
A2Don't give up, keep strong!
💡 Grammar Points
A Command for 'You' (Informal)
This word is the informal command form ('tú' command) of the verb 'mantenerse'. It is used to tell a friend or family member what to do.
Reflexive Pronoun Attachment
When giving an affirmative command (telling someone to do something), the reflexive pronoun 'te' (yourself) is always attached directly to the end of the verb, forming one word.
Stress Shift in Commands
The original verb form is 'mantén,' but when 'te' is added, the stress shifts naturally to the second-to-last syllable (man-TEN-te). This is why no written accent is needed on the final word.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Separating the Pronoun
Mistake: "Te mantén."
Correction: Mantente. (In affirmative commands, the 'te' must stick to the end of the verb.)
Using the Wrong Command Type
Mistake: "Manténte (when telling an older person)."
Correction: Manténgase. (Use the 'usted' form, 'manténgase,' for formal or polite commands.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The Root Verb
Think of 'mantener' as similar to the English 'maintain' or 'hold.' 'Mantenerse' means 'to hold oneself' in a certain state.
To 'mantente' (keep in touch) means maintaining communication over time.
mantente(Verb (Command Form))
Keep in touch
?Maintain communication
,Keep updated
?Stay informed about recent events
📝 In Action
Prométeme que mantente en contacto mientras viajas.
B1Promise me that you'll keep in touch while you travel.
Mantente al tanto de la situación en el país.
B2Keep updated on the situation in the country.
💡 Grammar Points
Using Prepositions
This meaning often requires a specific preposition: 'mantente en contacto' (keep in touch) or 'mantente al tanto' (keep current/updated).
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Farewell
A very common way to end a conversation with friends is to say '¡Mantente en contacto!' or simply '¡Mantente!'
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mantente
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best translates 'Mantente al tanto de la hora de llegada'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'mantente' have 'te' attached to the end?
'Mantente' comes from the reflexive verb 'mantenerse,' which means 'to keep oneself.' The 'te' is the pronoun meaning 'yourself.' In Spanish affirmative commands, this pronoun always sticks directly onto the verb.
Is 'mantente' the same as 'mantén'?
Not exactly. 'Mantén' is the simple command form of the verb 'mantener' (to maintain/hold something else). 'Mantente' is the command form of 'mantenerse' (to maintain/hold *yourself* in a state). 'Mantente' is used much more often for giving advice about personal well-being or status.