soporte
/so-POR-te/
support
In this context, 'soporte' refers to a physical object that provides stability and holds something up.
soporte(noun)
support
?a physical object that holds something up
stand
?a base for a device or object
,bracket
?a wall fixture
📝 In Action
Necesitamos un soporte más fuerte para la televisión.
A2We need a stronger stand for the television.
El estante se cayó porque el soporte estaba roto.
B1The shelf fell because the bracket was broken.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
This word is masculine, so you must always use it with 'el' (the) or 'un' (a).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Support vs. Help
Mistake: "Using 'soporte' to mean emotional support."
Correction: Use 'apoyo' for emotional help. 'Soporte' is usually for physical or technical things.
⭐ Usage Tips
Identifying Parts
In hardware stores, use 'soporte' when looking for parts that hold weight or fix things to a wall.
Here, 'soporte' represents technical assistance or help provided to others.
soporte(noun)
support
?technical assistance or help desk
backing
?logistical or formal assistance
📝 In Action
He llamado a soporte técnico tres veces hoy.
B1I've called technical support three times today.
La empresa ofrece soporte las 24 horas.
B1The company offers 24-hour support.
💡 Grammar Points
Compound Terms
When used for tech support, it's often followed by an adjective like 'técnico' or 'logístico' to describe the type of help.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Avoid 'Soportación'
Mistake: "Saying 'soportación' for support."
Correction: The correct noun is always 'soporte'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Business Spanish
In a professional email, 'soporte' sounds more formal than just 'ayuda' when talking about services provided by a team.
'Soporte' can also mean the physical medium or device where information is stored.
soporte(noun)
medium
?the material or device where information is stored
format
?physical vs digital storage
,carrier
?information carrier
📝 In Action
El papel ya no es el soporte principal para los documentos.
C1Paper is no longer the main medium for documents.
Necesitamos la información en un soporte digital.
B2We need the information in a digital format.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract Use
This sense refers to the 'thing' carrying the message, whether it's a CD, a USB drive, or a piece of parchment.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
You will mostly hear this in formal settings like libraries, IT architecture, or law.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: soporte
Question 1 of 2
If your internet isn't working and you call a technician for help, what are you calling?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'soporte' the same as 'apoyo'?
Not quite. Use 'soporte' for physical structures or technical help. Use 'apoyo' for emotional support, financial backing, or when you agree with someone's ideas.
Can 'soporte' also be a verb?
Yes! While usually a noun, 'soporte' is also a form of the verb 'soportar' (to tolerate/endure). It is used for 'I/he/she/it supports' in a special verb form (the subjunctive) used for wishes or doubts.