tolerar
“tolerar” means “to tolerate” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to tolerate, to put up with
Also: to permit
📝 In Action
Es importante tolerar las opiniones de los demás.
A2It is important to tolerate the opinions of others.
Mi jefe no tolera que lleguemos tarde a las reuniones.
B1My boss does not tolerate us being late to meetings.
No puedo tolerar este calor tan intenso.
B1I cannot put up with this intense heat.
to tolerate, to endure
📝 In Action
Mi cuerpo no tolera muy bien la lactosa.
B2My body doesn't tolerate lactose very well.
El paciente tolera bien el nuevo tratamiento.
B2The patient is tolerating the new treatment well.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tolerar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'tolerar' in a medical or physical context?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'tolerare,' which means to bear, support, or endure. It shares the same roots as the English word 'tolerate.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'tolerar' formal?
It is neutral. You can use it in a doctor's office, a university essay, or a casual conversation with a friend.
Can I use 'tolerar' for someone I don't like?
Yes, you can say 'No tolero a esa persona' to mean you find them unbearable.
Does it have any irregular forms?
No, 'tolerar' is a perfectly regular -ar verb in all tenses.