How to Say "holds back" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “holds back” is “contiene” — use 'contiene' when referring to something physically holding or containing an item or substance within itself. This is the most literal translation of 'holds' in the sense of enclosure..
contiene
/kon-TYEH-neh//konˈtje.ne/
Examples
El sobre contiene el documento importante.
The envelope holds the important document.
Esta caja contiene un regalo para ti.
This box contains a gift for you.
La botella contiene un litro de agua.
The bottle holds one liter of water.
El documento contiene información confidencial.
The document includes confidential information.
A Form of 'Contener'
'Contiene' is the verb 'contener' (to contain) used when talking about a single item or person (he, she, or it) in the present time.
Irregularity Pattern
The verb 'contener' is irregular because it follows the exact same pattern as the common verb 'tener' (to have). If you know 'él tiene' (he has), you know 'él contiene' (he contains).
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: “Using *contiene* for 'I' (yo) or 'they' (ellos): *Yo contengo* is correct, not *Yo conteno*.”
Correction: Remember the 'g' in the 'yo' form: *Yo contengo*. This is the same irregularity found in *tener* (yo tengo).
detiene
/de-TYEH-neh//deˈtjene/
Examples
La exhibición de arte detiene a los espectadores con su originalidad.
The art exhibition holds the viewers with its originality.
La obra de arte detiene la mirada de todos los visitantes.
The artwork captures the gaze of all the visitors.
Ella detiene su respiración antes de saltar.
She holds her breath before jumping.
Figurative Use
In this context, 'detiene' is used figuratively, often with intangible things like 'gaze,' 'attention,' or 'breath,' meaning to pause or fix them.
Literal vs. Figurative Use
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