Inklingo

How to Say "i hold" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mantengo

/man-TEN-go//manˈtenɡo/

verbA2general
Use 'mantengo' when you are keeping something in a particular place or state, often implying effort or consistency.
A person holding a heavy wooden door open with their hand and foot to let others pass.

Examples

Mantengo mi escritorio ordenado para trabajar mejor.

I keep my desk tidy to work better.

Mantengo mi habitación limpia todos los días.

I keep my room clean every day.

Siempre mantengo la calma en situaciones difíciles.

I always stay calm in difficult situations.

The 'Yo-Go' Rule

Just like the word 'tengo' (I have), this word adds a 'g' in the 'yo' form to make it easier to pronounce.

Avoid 'Manteno'

Mistake: “Yo manteno la dieta.”

Correction: Yo mantengo la dieta. Remember to add the 'g' for the 'I' form!

aguanto

/a-GWAHN-toh//aˈɣwan.to/

verbB1general
Choose 'aguanto' when you are physically supporting or bearing the weight of something, or enduring a difficult situation.
A simplified cartoon hand firmly grasping a large, bright red apple, demonstrating holding an object.

Examples

Aguanto la caja pesada mientras mi amigo la asegura.

I hold the heavy box while my friend secures it.

Aguanto la puerta para que puedas pasar.

I hold the door so you can pass.

Yo aguanto el peso de la maleta, no te preocupes.

I'll support the weight of the suitcase, don't worry.

Physical vs. Emotional

While both meanings relate to 'holding,' use this definition when you are literally using your strength to prevent something from falling or moving.

ocupo

/oh-KOO-poh//oˈku.po/

verbA1general
Use 'ocupo' when you are taking up space or filling a position or role.
A small blue cartoon bird sitting squarely and comfortably inside a large, round woven brown nest, clearly occupying the entire space.

Examples

Estos muebles ocupan demasiado espacio en la sala.

These pieces of furniture occupy too much space in the living room.

Ocupo mucho espacio en mi escritorio con estos libros.

I occupy a lot of space on my desk with these books.

Yo ocupo la posición de gerente aquí.

I hold the position of manager here.

Regular -AR Verb

The verb 'ocupar' is very predictable. Its endings follow the standard pattern for all verbs that end in -ar.

Physical Support vs. Maintaining State

Learners often confuse 'aguanto' and 'mantengo'. Remember that 'aguanto' is primarily for physically holding or enduring, while 'mantengo' is for keeping something in a certain state or place, like maintaining order or a routine.

Related Translations

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