retener
“retener” means “to keep” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to keep, to hold back
Also: to delay
📝 In Action
Por favor, retén este paquete hasta que yo vuelva.
A2Please keep this package until I return.
La lluvia nos retuvo en casa toda la tarde.
B1The rain held us back at home all afternoon.
No quiero retenerte más, sé que tienes prisa.
B1I don't want to keep you any longer, I know you're in a hurry.
to remember, to retain
📝 In Action
Me cuesta retener los nombres de las personas.
B1I have a hard time remembering people's names.
Ella retiene mucha información después de leer un libro.
B2She retains a lot of information after reading a book.
Los niños retienen mejor el vocabulario con juegos.
B1Children remember vocabulary better through games.
to withhold, to detain
Also: to retain
📝 In Action
La empresa retiene los impuestos de mi nómina.
B2The company withholds taxes from my payroll.
La policía retuvo al sospechoso para interrogarlo.
B2The police detained the suspect for questioning.
Algunas medicinas pueden hacer que el cuerpo retenga líquidos.
C1Some medicines can cause the body to retain fluids.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "retener" in Spanish:
to delay→to detain→to keep→to remember→to retain→to withhold→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: retener
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the correct 'yo' form in the past (preterite)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'retinere,' which combines 're-' (back) and 'tenere' (to hold). It literally means 'to hold back.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'retener' always irregular?
Yes, it follows the exact same irregular patterns as the verb 'tener' in every single tense.
What is the difference between 'detener' and 'retener'?
'Detener' is usually about stopping someone's movement entirely (like stopping a car), while 'retener' is about keeping or holding someone/something back so they don't leave.
How do I say 'tax withholding'?
You would use the noun form: 'retención de impuestos.'