Inklingo

How to Say "sustenance" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “sustenance” is “alimento” — use 'alimento' when referring to literal food that provides nourishment or figuratively when discussing intellectual or spiritual nourishment..

English → Spanish

alimento

ah-lee-MEN-toh/a.liˈmen.to/

nounB1general
Use 'alimento' when referring to literal food that provides nourishment or figuratively when discussing intellectual or spiritual nourishment.
A small, vibrant green sapling growing strongly out of rich brown soil, illuminated by gentle sunlight, symbolizing sustenance or figurative support.

Examples

La fruta es un alimento esencial para una dieta equilibrada.

Fruit is essential sustenance for a balanced diet.

La lectura es alimento para el alma y la mente.

Reading is food/nourishment for the soul and the mind.

Su ambición era el principal alimento de sus acciones.

His ambition was the main fuel for his actions.

sostén

nounB1general
Choose 'sostén' when talking about financial or material support that keeps someone or something going, or emotional backing.

Examples

Sus padres le brindaron el sostén económico para terminar la universidad.

His parents provided him with the financial sustenance to finish university.

mantenimiento

mán-te-ni-mién-to/mante.niˈmjento/

nounB1legal/formal
Use 'mantenimiento' specifically for ongoing financial support, like alimony or child support payments.
A simple storybook illustration depicting one stylized figure extending a small stack of golden coins into the open hand of a second figure, symbolizing financial support.

Examples

El juez ordenó un pago mensual de mantenimiento para los hijos.

The judge ordered a monthly maintenance payment for the children.

El acuerdo de divorcio incluye una cuota de mantenimiento.

The divorce agreement includes an alimony payment.

El tribunal fijó una pensión de mantenimiento para los menores.

The court set a child support payment for the minors.

Luchamos por el mantenimiento económico de la familia.

We fight for the financial sustenance of the family.

Legal Context

When used in the sense of financial support, 'mantenimiento' often appears alongside words like 'pensión' (payment) or 'cuota' (quota).

pan

/pahn//pan/

nounB2idiomatic/general
Employ 'pan' when referring to the basic necessities of life, especially food and the means to acquire it, often in an idiomatic expression.
A simple woven wicker basket filled generously and overflowing with fresh harvest items like apples, carrots, and a small loaf of bread, symbolizing sustenance.

Examples

Luchó toda su vida para ganarse el pan.

He fought his whole life to earn his daily bread (sustenance).

Trabaja duro para ganarse el pan de cada día.

He works hard to earn his daily bread (to earn a living).

No pudieron quitarle el pan de la boca a la familia.

They couldn't take the food out of the family's mouth (take away their means of survival).

Idiomatic Use

In these figurative uses, 'pan' acts as a stand-in for all the necessary things you need to survive, similar to how 'breadwinner' is used in English.

Confusing Financial Support Terms

Learners often confuse 'sostén' and 'mantenimiento' when discussing financial help. Remember, 'mantenimiento' is typically used for formal, legal payments like alimony, while 'sostén' is broader, covering general financial or material aid and emotional backing.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.