How to Say "sustained" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “sustained” is “sostenido” — use 'sostenido' when describing something that has continued for a long period, like growth, effort, or a state, indicating duration and consistency.
sostenido
sos-te-NEE-dohsos.teˈni.ðo
Examples
La inversión en energías renovables ha sido sostenida durante la última década.
Investment in renewable energy has been sustained over the last decade.
La empresa ha tenido un crecimiento sostenido este año.
The company has had sustained growth this year.
Escuchamos un pitido sostenido que venía de la cocina.
We heard a steady beep coming from the kitchen.
Mantén un esfuerzo sostenido para terminar la carrera.
Keep up a steady effort to finish the race.
Matching the Noun
Since this acts as a description word, it must match the thing it describes. Use 'sostenido' for masculine things (un grito sostenido) and 'sostenida' for feminine things (una nota sostenida).
Action vs. Description
This word often comes from the verb 'sostener' (to hold). When used as a description, it tells us that the state of 'being held' is continuing over time.
Confusing 'Sostenido' and 'Sostenible'
Mistake: “El desarrollo es sostenido.”
Correction: El desarrollo es sostenible.
mantuvo
man-TOO-bohmanˈtuβo
Examples
A pesar de la presión, el equipo mantuvo la calma y ganó el partido.
Despite the pressure, the team maintained its calm and won the match.
Ella **mantuvo** una actitud positiva a pesar de las dificultades.
She **maintained** a positive attitude despite the difficulties.
El presidente **mantuvo** silencio sobre el escándalo.
The president **kept** silent about the scandal.
Usted **mantuvo** su palabra y eso es admirable.
You (formal) **kept** your word, and that is admirable.
Who Did It?
Mantuvo is only used when the person doing the action is 'he' (él), 'she' (ella), or the formal 'you' (usted). It never refers to 'I' or 'we'.
Simple Past Action
This verb form describes an action that started and finished completely in the past, like a single event or a state that ended at a specific time.
Irregularity Alert
Mistake: “Using the regular past tense ending, like *mantenió*.”
Correction: The verb *mantener* is highly irregular in the simple past, borrowing the 'uv' pattern from *tener*. Remember: *tener* → *tuvo*; *mantener* → *mantuvo*.
sufrió
Examples
El coche sufrió daños importantes en la colisión.
The car sustained significant damage in the collision.
Sostenido vs. Mantuvo
Related Translations
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