resistir
/reh-sees-TEER/
to withstand
Resistir can mean 'to withstand' physical or emotional stress, like a tree enduring a powerful storm.
resistir(verb)
to withstand
?physical or emotional stress
,to endure
?a difficult situation
to bear
?pain or discomfort
,to hold out
?in a tough spot
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Action
Unlike English, 'resistir' usually takes its object directly, without needing a preposition like 'to' or 'against'. (e.g., 'Resistir la tentación' not 'resistir a la tentación').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing with 'Support'
Mistake: "Usar 'resistir' cuando se quiere decir 'apoyar' o 'soportar' (in the sense of supporting a structure)."
Correction: Use 'soportar' or 'aguantar' when referring to a physical object holding weight. 'Resistir' is usually about opposition or enduring difficulty.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Internal Strength
Think of 'resistir' as requiring internal strength—it’s often used for psychological battles, temptations, or pain.
When resistir means 'to resist,' it refers to opposing a force or action, visualized by the block stopping the boulder.
resistir(verb)
to resist
?to oppose a force, action, or authority
to fight back
?against an enemy or government
📝 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.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
This meaning is often found in news reports, history books, or discussions about government and social movements.
In the context of materials, resistir means 'to be resistant' to elements like water, heat, or damage.
resistir(verb)
to be resistant
?to damage, heat, or water
,to hold up
?to last a long time
to be durable
?of objects or materials
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Material Quality
When talking about materials, 'resistir' is often followed by the preposition 'a' or 'al' (a + el) when specifying what it resists (e.g., 'resistir al fuego' - to be fire resistant).
⭐ Usage Tips
Adjective Form
If you want to describe something as resistant, use the related adjective 'resistente' (e.g., 'una tela resistente al agua' - a water-resistant fabric).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: resistir
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'resistir' to mean 'to be durable'?
📚 More Resources
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.