Inklingo

How to Say "hold" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “hold” is “aguanta” — use 'aguanta' when referring to physical support, like a structure bearing weight, or metaphorically enduring a difficult situation..

aguanta🔊A2

Use 'aguanta' when referring to physical support, like a structure bearing weight, or metaphorically enduring a difficult situation.

{ui.learnMore}
manténB1

Use the command form 'mantén' when telling someone (tú) to physically keep something in place or to maintain a state.

{ui.learnMore}
mantenga🔊B1

Use 'mantenga' when instructing someone formally (usted) to keep something in a certain state or position, or to maintain a quality.

{ui.learnMore}
mantengan🔊B1

Use 'mantengan' when instructing multiple people (ustedes) to keep something in a certain state or position, or to maintain a quality.

{ui.learnMore}
celebrar🔊B1

Use 'celebrar' specifically when you are organizing or conducting a formal event like a meeting, ceremony, or mass.

{ui.learnMore}
deténA2

Use 'detén' as a command (tú form) to tell someone to stop, halt, or restrain something or someone.

{ui.learnMore}
vientre🔊B2

Use 'vientre' to refer to the 'womb' or the internal space of a pregnant person or animal.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

aguanta

ah-GWAHN-tah/aˈɣwan.ta/

verbA2informal
Use 'aguanta' when referring to physical support, like a structure bearing weight, or metaphorically enduring a difficult situation.
A strong person is holding a large, heavy grey boulder above their head with both hands, showing physical support.

Examples

Esta viga aguanta todo el techo de la casa.

This beam supports the entire roof of the house.

¡Aguanta la caja con las dos manos o se cae!

Hold the box with both hands or it will fall!

Present Tense vs. Command

The form 'aguanta' is used both when talking about what a third person (he/she/it) does now, and as a direct command to you (tú).

mantén

verbB1command
Use the command form 'mantén' when telling someone (tú) to physically keep something in place or to maintain a state.

Examples

Mantén la puerta cerrada, por favor.

Keep the door closed, please.

mantenga

mahn-TEN-gah/manˈteŋ.ɡa/

verbB1command
Use 'mantenga' when instructing someone formally (usted) to keep something in a certain state or position, or to maintain a quality.
A high quality storybook illustration showing a small, friendly character carefully supporting the base of a perfectly balanced, colorful stack of wooden blocks to keep them stable and upright.

Examples

Espero que usted mantenga la calma durante la emergencia.

I hope that you (formal) keep calm during the emergency.

El doctor recomienda que mantenga una dieta balanceada.

The doctor recommends that I/he/she/you (formal) maintain a balanced diet.

¡Mantenga la puerta cerrada en todo momento!

Keep the door closed at all times! (Formal command)

Dual Role of 'Mantenga'

'Mantenga' is used for two things: 1) The special verb form (subjunctive) for 'yo' (I) and 'él/ella/usted' (he/she/you formal). 2) The formal command for 'usted' (You, formal).

Irregular 'Go' Verb Pattern

The verb 'mantener' follows the same pattern as 'tener' (to have). In the 'yo' form of the present indicative ('yo mantengo') and all of the present subjunctive forms ('mantenga'), it adds a 'g' before the ending.

Confusing Subjunctive vs. Indicative

Mistake: “Using 'Es necesario que él mantiene la promesa.'”

Correction: Use 'Es necesario que él mantenga la promesa.' (It is necessary that he keep the promise.) Spanish uses the special 'mantenga' form after expressions of necessity, desire, or doubt.

mantengan

/man-TEN-gan//manˈteŋ.ɡan/

verbB1command
Use 'mantengan' when instructing multiple people (ustedes) to keep something in a certain state or position, or to maintain a quality.
A small child stands focused and perfectly still, carefully balancing a large, bright blue sphere on the palm of their outstretched hand, illustrating stability and maintenance.

Examples

Es crucial que ustedes mantengan la calma durante la emergencia.

It is crucial that you all keep calm during the emergency.

¡Mantengan una distancia segura de las vías!

Maintain a safe distance from the tracks!

Ojalá que los precios se mantengan estables este año.

Hopefully, prices will remain stable this year.

Formal Command (Ustedes)

When you are giving a formal command to a group of people ('you all'), use 'mantengan'. For example, '¡Mantengan el orden!' (Keep order!)

Expressing Wishes/Doubt

When you want to express hope, doubt, or necessity about what others are doing, use 'mantengan'. This is the special verb form needed after words like 'espero que' (I hope that) or 'es necesario que' (it is necessary that).

Irregularity Alert

The verb 'mantener' follows the same tricky pattern as 'tener' (to have). Notice the 'g' in 'mantenga/mantengan' and the 'uv' in the past tenses (like 'mantuvo').

Using the wrong mood for wishes

Mistake: “Espero que mantienen la promesa.”

Correction: Espero que mantengan la promesa. (When expressing a wish or hope, Spanish requires the special verb form, not the normal present tense.)

celebrar

/the-leh-BRAR//θeleˈβɾaɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'celebrar' specifically when you are organizing or conducting a formal event like a meeting, ceremony, or mass.
Three cartoon figures sitting around a circular table in a simple room, one figure is speaking while the others listen attentively, representing a meeting being held.

Examples

El director decidió celebrar la reunión de emergencia a las dos.

The director decided to hold the emergency meeting at two o'clock.

En esta iglesia, el sacerdote celebra misa todos los días.

In this church, the priest celebrates (holds) mass every day.

Formal Context

When used this way, 'celebrar' implies a formal or structured event, like a court session or a large conference.

detén

verbA2command
Use 'detén' as a command (tú form) to tell someone to stop, halt, or restrain something or someone.

Examples

¡Detén el coche, hay un perro en la calle!

Stop the car, there is a dog in the street!

vientre

bee-EN-treh/ˈbjɛn.tɾe/

nounB2
Use 'vientre' to refer to the 'womb' or the internal space of a pregnant person or animal.
A simple, colorful illustration showing the profile silhouette of a pregnant woman, emphasizing her large, rounded stomach.

Examples

La madre llevó a su hijo en el vientre durante nueve meses.

The mother carried her son in her womb for nine months.

El cargamento fue guardado en el vientre oscuro del buque.

The cargo was stored in the dark hold (belly) of the vessel.

Confusing 'hold' as support vs. 'hold' as an event

The most common mistake is using 'celebrar' (to celebrate/hold an event) when you mean to say something physically supports weight, like a table or a beam. For physical support, 'aguanta' is usually the correct choice.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.