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How to Say "maintenance" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mantenimiento

mán-te-ni-mién-to/mante.niˈmjento/

nounA2general
Use this word when referring to the upkeep or repair of objects, systems, or infrastructure to keep them in good 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.

sostén

/sohs-TEN//sosˈten/

nounB1general
Choose this word to describe the act of supporting or sustaining something, often in a more abstract or emotional sense, like providing emotional support or being the financial backbone of a family.
A small, sturdy wooden pillar providing structural support to a much larger, heavy gray stone.

Examples

Él es el principal sostén económico de su hogar.

He is the main financial support of his household.

La familia es el sostén emocional en tiempos difíciles.

The family is the emotional support during difficult times.

El sostén económico del proyecto depende de los donativos.

The financial sustenance of the project depends on donations.

La columna sirve de sostén para todo el techo.

The column serves as support for the entire roof.

Abstract Use

In this sense, 'sostén' means the act or means of supporting something, similar to the verb 'sostener' (to sustain or hold up).

alimento

ah-lee-MEN-toh/a.liˈmen.to/

nounC1legal/formal
Use this specific term for legally mandated financial support paid to 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

La corte ordenó un pago de alimento mensual.

The court ordered a monthly maintenance payment.

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).

Mantenimiento vs. Sostén

Learners often confuse 'mantenimiento' and 'sostén'. Remember that 'mantenimiento' is for physical upkeep (like fixing a car), while 'sostén' refers to providing support, whether financial, emotional, or structural. Don't use 'mantenimiento' for people or abstract support.

Related Translations

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