mantienen
/mahn-tee-EH-nehn/
they keep
They keep (mantienen) the kite aloft and stable despite the breeze.
mantienen(Verb)
they keep
?to hold onto a condition or state
,they maintain
?to preserve a status or level
you (all) maintain
?formal plural
,they preserve
?objects or traditions
📝 In Action
Los jardineros mantienen el parque muy limpio.
A2The gardeners keep the park very clean.
Ellos mantienen una relación a distancia.
B1They maintain a long-distance relationship.
¿Cómo mantienen la calma en situaciones de estrés?
B2How do you all (formal) keep calm in stressful situations?
💡 Grammar Points
The 'They' Form
This form, 'mantienen,' is used when the action is done by 'ellos' (they, masculine or mixed group), 'ellas' (they, feminine), or 'ustedes' (you all, formal).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Using 'mantenan' (regular ending) instead of 'mantienen' (the correct irregular form)."
Correction: Remember that the vowel in the middle changes from E to IE in almost all present tense forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Keeping It Going
Think of 'mantienen' as keeping something going—a status, a conversation, a speed, or a good job.
They support (mantienen) the structure so it does not collapse.
mantienen(Verb)
they support
?financially or structurally
,they sustain
?to provide necessary resources
they provide for
?family or dependents
📝 In Action
Los pilares mantienen el techo del edificio.
B1The pillars support the roof of the building.
Los padres mantienen a sus hijos hasta que terminan la universidad.
B1The parents support their children until they finish university.
Ellos mantienen la esperanza de encontrar un trabajo.
B2They sustain the hope of finding a job.
💡 Grammar Points
Supporting People
When used for financial support, 'mantener' is often followed by the person or people receiving the support, like 'mantienen a sus hijos' (they support their children).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Support
Use 'mantener' for formal, long-term support (financial, physical structure, or emotional). For simple help, use 'ayudar' (to help).
They uphold (mantienen) the shared principle represented by the light.
mantienen(Verb)
they uphold
?a principle or law
,they defend
?a position or argument
they stick to
?a promise or decision
📝 In Action
Los jueces mantienen la decisión del tribunal anterior.
B2The judges uphold the previous court's decision.
Ellos mantienen que la reforma es necesaria.
C1They maintain (or assert) that the reform is necessary.
Las empresas mantienen sus principios éticos.
B2The companies uphold their ethical principles.
💡 Grammar Points
Verbs of Assertion
When 'mantienen' means 'they assert' or 'they claim,' it is usually followed by 'que' and then the statement they are asserting. This usage is common in news reporting or formal debates.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Language
This meaning is often used when discussing laws, contracts, official statements, or firm beliefs.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mantienen
Question 1 of 2
Which English translation is NOT a possible meaning for 'Ellos mantienen'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'mantener' irregular? It looks like a normal -er verb.
'Mantener' is irregular because it is built from the verb 'tener' (to have/to hold), and it follows all of 'tener's' tricky irregular patterns. This includes the 'go' ending in the 'yo' form (mantengo) and the 'uv' stem in the past tense (mantuvieron).
What is the difference between 'mantienen' and 'soportan'?
'Mantienen' means to keep, preserve, or sustain something over time (like a relationship or a job). 'Soportan' usually means 'they tolerate' or 'they physically bear the weight of' something, but less often 'to financially support'.