Inklingo

How to Say "maintenance" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “maintenance” is “mantenimiento” — use this word for the general upkeep and repair of machinery, vehicles, buildings, or systems to keep them in working order.

English → Spanish

mantenimiento

mán-te-ni-mién-tomante.niˈmjento

nounA2general
Use this word for the general upkeep and repair of machinery, vehicles, buildings, or systems to keep them in working order.
A friendly cartoon character wearing blue overalls is happily tightening a loose bolt on a bright red bicycle wheel using a silver wrench, illustrating the concept of maintenance.

Examples

El coche necesita mantenimiento regular para funcionar bien.

The car needs regular maintenance to run well.

El ascensor está fuera de servicio por tareas de mantenimiento.

The elevator is out of service due to maintenance work.

Necesitamos un plan de mantenimiento preventivo para la maquinaria.

We need a preventative maintenance plan for the machinery.

Los costos de mantenimiento de la casa son muy altos este año.

The upkeep costs for the house are very high this year.

Masculine Noun

Since 'mantenimiento' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La mantenimiento”

Correction: El mantenimiento. Remember that the word ends in '-o', which is a strong clue that it is masculine.

conservación

nounB1general
This term refers to the act of preserving or protecting something, especially the environment, historical sites, or natural resources, from harm or decay.

Examples

La conservación de la selva amazónica es vital.

The conservation of the Amazon rainforest is vital.

sostén

nounB1general
Employ this word when referring to the act of supporting or sustaining something, whether physically, financially, or emotionally.

Examples

Ella es el principal sostén económico de su familia.

She is the main financial support for her family.

alimento

ah-lee-MEN-toha.liˈmen.to

nounC1legal/formal
Use this specific term only for legal or court-ordered financial support payments made for a dependent, such as child support or spousal support.
A close-up view of one hand gently placing a single gold coin into the open palm of a second hand, symbolizing financial support.

Examples

El tribunal ordenó el pago de alimento a los hijos.

The court ordered maintenance payments for the children.

El juez dictaminó una cuota de alimento mensual para los hijos.

The judge ruled a monthly maintenance payment for the children.

La obligación de alimento cesa cuando el beneficiario encuentra empleo.

The obligation of alimony/maintenance ceases when the beneficiary finds employment.

Legal Term

This meaning is almost always used in a legal or bureaucratic setting, often appearing in the phrase 'pensión de alimentos' (maintenance payment).

Confusing Mantenimiento and Alimento

Learners often use 'mantenimiento' for child support, but this is incorrect. 'Mantenimiento' refers to upkeep and repairs, while 'alimento' is the specific legal term for financial support payments like child or spousal support.

Related Translations

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