sostener
/soh-steh-NEHR/
to hold up
Sostener, meaning 'to hold up', describes bearing physical weight, like a pillar supporting a structure.
sostener(verb)
to hold up
?bearing physical weight
,to support
?physically or financially
to bear
?carrying weight
,to sustain
?keeping something going
📝 In Action
La mesa es muy pesada, pero la sostengo sin problema.
A2The table is very heavy, but I am holding it up without a problem.
Necesitamos más columnas para sostener el techo del garaje.
B1We need more columns to support the garage roof.
Mi trabajo sostiene a toda mi familia.
B1My job supports my whole family (financially).
💡 Grammar Points
Irregular 'Yo' Form
Like its root verb 'tener', the 'yo' form in the present tense is irregular: 'yo sostengo'. This 'g' carries over into the present subjunctive.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'sostener' and 'tener'
Mistake: "Using 'tener' when you mean 'to hold up' or 'to support'."
Correction: 'Tener' usually means 'to have' or 'to hold in your hand'. 'Sostener' specifically means 'to bear weight' or 'to keep something from falling'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Past Tense
Remember the irregular stem 'sostuv-' for the preterite (simple past) tense, which is similar to 'tener' (tuve). This is essential for formal writing.
Sostener also means 'to maintain' or assert a statement, showing conviction in an idea.
sostener(verb)
to maintain
?to assert a statement or belief
,to argue
?to defend a position
to uphold
?a decision or law
,to assert
?to state strongly
📝 In Action
El presidente sostiene que la economía mejorará pronto.
B2The president maintains (or asserts) that the economy will improve soon.
Ella sostuvo su argumento a pesar de la crítica.
C1She upheld her argument despite the criticism.
Los científicos sostienen la teoría del calentamiento global.
B2The scientists support (or uphold) the theory of global warming.
💡 Grammar Points
Common Structure
When used to assert an idea, 'sostener' is often followed by 'que' and a statement in the indicative mood (normal verb form), since it expresses certainty: 'Sostengo que tienes razón' (I maintain that you are right).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Language
This meaning is often used in news, academic papers, or formal debates. It sounds more sophisticated than simply saying 'creer' (to believe) or 'decir' (to say).
When used as 'to hold on', sostener refers to grabbing something for stability.
sostener(verb)
to hold on
?to grab onto something for stability
,to hold one's own
?to survive or endure
to stand firm
?to keep one's position
,to be sustained
?to be maintained over time
📝 In Action
Me sostuve de la cuerda para no caer.
B1I held onto the rope so I wouldn't fall.
La empresa se ha sostenido a pesar de la crisis.
B2The company has held its own (or endured) despite the crisis.
Si no te sostienes bien, te vas a resbalar.
A2If you don't hold on tightly, you are going to slip.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use
When you use 'sostenerse,' the action reflects back onto the person or thing doing it. It means 'to support oneself' or 'to cling to something' (e.g., 'me sostengo' = I support myself).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "Saying 'Sostuvo de la barandilla' when you mean 'He held onto the railing.'"
Correction: You must include the reflexive pronoun: 'Se sostuvo de la barandilla.' The object is holding itself to the railing.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sostener
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'sostener' in the sense of defending an idea?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es sostener un verbo regular?
No, 'sostener' es un verbo irregular. Es un verbo compuesto que sigue el patrón de conjugación de 'tener' (to have/to hold). Por eso tiene formas irregulares como 'sostengo' (presente) y 'sostuve' (pretérito).
What is the difference between 'sostener' and 'aguantar'?
Both can mean 'to hold' or 'to support.' 'Sostener' is often more formal and implies providing structural or moral support. 'Aguantar' is more common in informal speech and often emphasizes enduring, tolerating, or bearing something heavy or difficult.