resistir
“resistir” means “to withstand” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to withstand, to endure
Also: to bear, to hold out
📝 In Action
No pude resistir la tentación de comer el pastel.
A2I couldn't resist the temptation to eat the cake.
Ella resistió la presión del trabajo hasta el final del día.
B1She withstood the pressure of work until the end of the day.
Resistimos el frío con mantas y chocolate caliente.
B1We endured the cold with blankets and hot chocolate.
to resist
Also: to fight back
📝 In Action
Los ciudadanos decidieron resistir la nueva ley.
B2The citizens decided to resist the new law.
El ejército resistió el ataque durante tres días.
B2The army resisted the attack for three days.
to be resistant, to hold up
Also: to be durable
📝 In Action
Este tipo de tela resiste muy bien el agua.
B1This type of fabric resists water very well.
El puente debe resistir vientos de hasta 100 km/h.
B2The bridge must withstand winds of up to 100 km/h.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: resistir
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'resistir' to mean 'to be durable'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *resistere*, which is formed by the prefix *re-* (meaning 'back' or 'against') and *sistere* (meaning 'to stand' or 'to cause to stand'). So, the original meaning is literally 'to stand back' or 'to stand firm against something.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'resistir' reflexive? Do I ever say 'resistirse'?
Yes, 'resistirse' (the reflexive form) is often used when talking about resisting a temptation or urge, especially if you are struggling internally. For example: 'Me resistí a reír' (I resisted laughing).
What is the difference between 'resistir' and 'aguantar'?
They are very similar synonyms for enduring difficult things. 'Resistir' often implies a more active, conscious effort to stand firm, while 'aguantar' is sometimes more passive, meaning 'to tolerate' or 'to put up with.' Both are widely interchangeable for bearing pain or stress.