sostener
“sostener” means “to hold up” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to hold up, to support
Also: to bear, to sustain
📝 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).
to maintain, to argue
Also: to uphold, to assert
📝 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.
to hold on, to hold one's own
Also: to stand firm, to be sustained
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "sostener" in Spanish:
to argue→to assert→to bear→to maintain→to support→to sustain→to uphold→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sostener
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'sostener' in the sense of defending an idea?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin verb *sustinēre*, which was formed by combining *sub-* (meaning 'under' or 'from below') and *tenēre* (meaning 'to hold'). This gives us the core meaning: 'to hold up from underneath.'
First recorded: Medieval Latin
Cognates (Related words)
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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.