mantuvo
“mantuvo” means “kept” in Spanish (a promise, a secret, a state of mind).
kept, maintainedAlso: sustained, held onto
📝 In Action
Ella **mantuvo** una actitud positiva a pesar de las dificultades.
B1She **maintained** a positive attitude despite the difficulties.
El presidente **mantuvo** silencio sobre el escándalo.
B2The president **kept** silent about the scandal.
Usted **mantuvo** su palabra y eso es admirable.
B1You (formal) **kept** your word, and that is admirable.
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "mantuvo" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mantuvo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'mantuvo'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
The verb *mantener* comes from the Latin phrase *manu tenēre*, which literally meant 'to hold with the hand.' This evolved into the meaning 'to keep, sustain, or support.'
First recorded: Medieval Latin
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when to use 'mantuvo' instead of 'mantenía'?
'Mantuvo' (simple past) is for a single, completed action in the past (e.g., 'He kept the secret'). 'Mantenía' (imperfect past) is for ongoing, repeated, or habitual actions in the past (e.g., 'He used to keep his room tidy').
Why is 'mantuvo' so irregular?
Because *mantener* is built on the very common and very irregular verb *tener* (to have). *Tener* has the special 'uv' simple past form (*tuvo*), and *mantener* follows the exact same pattern: *mantuvo*.