Inklingo

How to Say "keeps" in Spanish

English → Spanish

guarda

GWAR-dah/ˈɡwaɾða/

VerbA1General
Use 'guarda' when 'keeps' means to store or put something away in a safe place.
A young person carefully placing a treasured, shiny coin inside a small wooden chest.

Examples

Ella guarda sus joyas en una caja fuerte.

She keeps her jewelry in a safe box.

Guarda este secreto, por favor.

Keep this secret, please (informal command).

¿Dónde guarda el documento?

Where does he save the document?

Dual Role

The form 'guarda' is used both when talking about what a third person (he/she/it/you formal) 'does' now, and when you are giving an informal command to 'tú'.

mantiene

man-tee-EH-neh/manˈtje.ne/

VerbA2General
Use 'mantiene' when 'keeps' refers to maintaining a state, condition, or appearance over time.
A child gently holding a tall, colorful stack of blocks steady to maintain its balance.

Examples

Ella mantiene su coche muy limpio.

She keeps her car very clean.

El presidente mantiene su promesa de subir los salarios.

The president maintains his promise to raise salaries.

¿Cómo se mantiene la calma en situaciones de estrés?

How does one maintain calm in stressful situations?

Irregularity Pattern

The verb 'mantener' follows the same pattern as 'tener' (to have). Just remember the 'man-' prefix and conjugate it like 'tener' (e.g., 'tengo' -> 'mantengo', 'tiene' -> 'mantiene').

cumple

/kúm-ple//ˈkumple/

VerbA2General
Use 'cumple' when 'keeps' refers to fulfilling or honoring a commitment, promise, or obligation.
A happy cartoon character handing a brightly wrapped present to another smiling cartoon character, symbolizing fulfilling a promise.

Examples

Ella siempre cumple con lo que promete.

She always fulfills what she promises.

Si no cumple las reglas, habrá consecuencias.

If he doesn't comply with the rules, there will be consequences.

¡Cumple tu promesa!

Fulfill your promise! (Informal command to 'tú')

Using 'con'

When talking about fulfilling promises or obligations, the verb 'cumplir' often needs the small word 'con' afterwards: 'cumplir con la ley' (comply with the law).

Using 'cumple' for 'complete' (a task)

Mistake: “Using 'cumple el trabajo' for 'completes the work'.”

Correction: While 'cumple' can mean 'complete', 'termina' (terminar) or 'acaba' (acabar) are usually more natural when referring to finishing a specific task or project.

Storing vs. Fulfilling

Learners often confuse 'guarda' (to store) with 'cumple' (to fulfill). Remember that 'guarda' is for physical objects you put away, while 'cumple' is for abstract things like promises or duties.

Related Translations

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