Inklingo

How to Say "i keep" in Spanish

English → Spanish

guardo

/GWAHR-doh//ˈɡwaɾðo/

verbA1general
Use 'guardo' when you mean 'I retain' or 'I put away' something, emphasizing possession or storage.
A person holding a small wooden treasure chest tightly in their arms.

Examples

Yo guardo mis llaves en mi bolsillo.

I keep my keys in my pocket.

Yo guardo mi ropa en el armario.

I put my clothes away in the closet.

Guardo los documentos importantes en una caja fuerte.

I keep important documents in a safe.

Siempre guardo los cambios en el archivo antes de cerrar.

I always save the changes in the file before closing.

The 'I' Form

Guardo is the 'Yo' form of the verb 'guardar'. Use it when you are the one doing the keeping or saving right now.

Saving People vs. Things

Mistake: “Using 'guardo' to mean saving a person from a fire.”

Correction: Use 'salvo' (from salvar) for rescuing people. Use 'guardo' for objects, money, or information.

mantengo

/man-TEN-go//manˈtenɡo/

verbA2general
Use 'mantengo' when you mean 'I maintain' or 'I continue' a state, condition, or action, focusing on continuity.
A person holding a heavy wooden door open with their hand and foot to let others pass.

Examples

Mantengo la calma en situaciones difíciles.

I keep calm in difficult situations.

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!

Guardar vs. Mantener

Learners often confuse 'guardo' and 'mantengo' by using 'guardo' for states or conditions. Remember, 'guardo' is for holding or storing things, while 'mantengo' is for continuing a state or action.

Related Translations

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