sustentar
“sustentar” means “to support” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to support
Also: to hold up
📝 In Action
Las columnas sustentan el techo del edificio.
A2The columns support the roof of the building.
Es asombroso cómo esos hilos tan finos sustentan tanto peso.
B1It's amazing how those thin threads hold up so much weight.
La base debe ser fuerte para sustentar la estatua.
B1The base must be strong to support the statue.
to back up
Also: to uphold, to provide for
📝 In Action
Tienes que sustentar tu teoría con datos reales.
B2You have to back up your theory with real data.
Él trabaja en dos sitios para sustentar a su familia.
B1He works in two places to provide for his family.
El juez sustentó su decisión en las leyes actuales.
C1The judge based (upheld) his decision on current laws.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sustentar
Question 1 of 3
Which word is best for saying a lawyer is 'backing up' their argument with evidence?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'sustentāre', which is a stronger form of 'sustinēre' (to hold up). It's made of 'sub-' (from below) and 'tenēre' (to hold).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'sustentar' the same as 'sostener'?
Almost. Both mean to hold something up. However, 'sustentar' is more formal and often implies providing everything needed for something to exist or be true (like a theory or a family's survival).
Does 'sustentar' mean the same as 'sustainable'?
No, 'sustentar' is a verb (to support). The adjective for 'sustainable' is 'sustentable' (common in Latin America) or 'sostenible' (common in Spain).
Can I use 'sustentar' for emotional support?
Not usually. For emotional support, use 'apoyar'. 'Sustentar' is for physical weight, financial needs, or logical arguments.