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How to Say "endures" in Spanish

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aguanta

ah-GWAHN-tah/aˈɣwan.ta/

VerbB1General
Use 'aguanta' when the endurance involves actively suffering through or tolerating a difficult or unpleasant situation, often with a sense of stoicism.
A solitary figure stands firmly on a windswept hill, enduring a strong gust of wind and heavy rain.

Examples

Mi abuela aguanta el calor del verano sin aire acondicionado.

My grandmother endures the summer heat without air conditioning.

Ella no aguanta el ruido de la construcción.

She doesn't tolerate the construction noise.

¡Aguanta la presión! Ya casi terminas el examen.

Bear the pressure! You're almost done with the exam.

Handling Discomfort

When talking about physical or emotional pain, 'aguantar' is the go-to verb for 'to bear' or 'to tolerate.' It implies active resilience.

resiste

reh-SEES-teh/reˈsiste/

VerbB1General
Choose 'resiste' when referring to something's ability to withstand or not be harmed by external pressures, such as physical force, heat, or time.
A determined small green sprout pushing upward through a thick layer of brown cobblestone and dirt, symbolizing enduring force and resistance.

Examples

Este material resiste el calor y la humedad.

This material resists heat and humidity.

Él siempre resiste la tentación de comer dulces.

He always resists the temptation to eat sweets.

¡Resiste! Ya casi llegamos a la cima de la montaña.

Resist! We are almost at the top of the mountain.

Two Roles for 'Resiste'

The form 'resiste' can be a statement about a third person ('Ella resiste' - She resists) or an informal command to 'tú' ('¡Resiste!' - Resist!).

Transitive vs. Intransitive

'Resistir' can be used with a direct thing receiving the action ('resiste el frío' - resists the cold) or alone ('El edificio resiste' - The building holds up).

Using 'Resistir' for Emotional Defense

Mistake: “Intento resistir mi tristeza. (I try to resist my sadness.)”

Correction: Intento contener mi tristeza. ('Resistir' usually implies physical or external force; 'contener' or 'reprimir' is better for internal emotions.)

permanece

per-mah-NEH-seh/peɾ.maˈne.θe/

VerbB1General
Use 'permanece' when the focus is on something lasting or continuing to exist over a period of time, often implying a static state or a lingering effect.
A large, grey, ancient boulder sitting firmly in the middle of a shallow stream, symbolizing persistence and endurance as water flows around it.

Examples

El sabor amargo permanece en mi boca después del café.

The bitter taste lingers in my mouth after the coffee.

Su legado permanece vivo en la memoria de la gente.

His legacy persists (remains alive) in people's memory.

La duda sobre su inocencia aún permanece.

The doubt about his innocence still persists.

Describing Ongoing States

Use 'permanece' when you want to emphasize that a situation, condition, or feeling is not changing or going away. It is stronger than just saying 'it is'.

Aguanta vs. Resiste

Learners often confuse 'aguanta' and 'resiste'. Remember, 'aguanta' implies enduring hardship or suffering, often by a person. 'Resiste' is more about an object's or system's ability to withstand external forces without failing.

Related Translations

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