Inklingo

How to Say "maintain" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mantenga

mahn-TEN-gah/manˈteŋ.ɡa/

verbB1formal
Use 'mantenga' when addressing one person formally (usted) and instructing them to preserve or keep something, like a state of calm or a condition.
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/

verbB1formal
Use 'mantengan' when addressing multiple people formally (ustedes) and instructing them to uphold or preserve something, such as standards or a collective state of calm.
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.)

mantén

verb (command form)B1informal
Use 'mantén' as a command (tú form) to tell someone directly to keep something in good condition or to preserve it physically.

Examples

Mantén la puerta cerrada, por favor.

Keep the door closed, please.

Formality and Number Confusion

The most common mistake is confusing 'mantenga' (formal singular), 'mantengan' (formal plural), and 'mantén' (informal singular command). Always consider who you are speaking to (formal vs. informal, one person vs. multiple) before choosing the correct form.

Related Translations

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