What is the difference between "cargar", "soportar", "resistir", "sostener" in Spanish?

The English verb 'to bear' has several Spanish translations, each used in specific contexts. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most accurate word for carrying, enduring, or supporting.

How to Say "to bear" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to bear” is “cargar” — use 'cargar' when you are physically carrying a load or taking on a burden/responsibility..

cargar🔊A1

Use 'cargar' when you are physically carrying a load or taking on a burden/responsibility.

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soportar🔊B1

Use 'soportar' when referring to enduring something unpleasant, like pain or a difficult situation, or when something is bearing weight.

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resistir🔊B1

Use 'resistir' when you are struggling against something, like temptation, or when you are holding out against pressure or attack.

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sostener🔊B1

Use 'sostener' when physically holding something up or maintaining its position, often implying a direct, steady support.

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English → Spanish

cargar

/kar-GAR//kaɾˈɣaɾ/

verbA1general

Use 'cargar' when you are physically carrying a load or taking on a burden/responsibility.

A storybook illustration of a happy child carrying a large, colorful box in their arms.

Examples

Tengo que cargar estas cajas pesadas al camión.

I have to load these heavy boxes onto the truck.

Ella siempre carga con la responsabilidad de la casa.

She always bears the responsibility for the house.

El bebé quiere que su mamá lo cargue en brazos.

The baby wants his mother to carry him in her arms.

Spelling Change for Sound

In the simple past (preterite) 'yo' form and all forms of the present subjunctive, the 'g' changes to 'gu' (e.g., 'yo cargué', 'que yo cargue'). This is just to keep the hard 'g' sound consistent, otherwise it would sound like an 'h' (like 'car-HEH').

See full entry for “cargar” →

soportar

soh-por-TAR/so.porˈtaɾ/

verbB1general

Use 'soportar' when referring to enduring something unpleasant, like pain or a difficult situation, or when something is bearing weight.

A robust, colorful stone pillar physically holding up a large, heavy, cubic block above it, symbolizing physical support.

Examples

Esta viga de metal soporta el peso de todo el segundo piso.

This metal beam supports the weight of the entire second floor.

Los cimientos no pueden soportar más carga.

The foundations cannot bear any more load.

La mesa soporta hasta 100 kilos.

The table holds up to 100 kilos.

Transitive Verb

In this meaning, 'soportar' always needs a direct object (the weight or structure being held up). The sentence structure is: [Subject] soporta [Direct Object].

See full entry for “soportar” →

resistir

reh-sees-TEER/resiˈstiɾ/

verbB1general

Use 'resistir' when you are struggling against something, like temptation, or when you are holding out against pressure or attack.

A small, thick-trunked tree firmly rooted in the ground, bending significantly under the force of strong, stylized wind, yet remaining intact.

Examples

No pude resistir la tentación de comer el pastel.

I couldn't resist the temptation to eat the cake.

Ella resistió la presión del trabajo hasta el final del día.

She withstood the pressure of work until the end of the day.

Resistimos el frío con mantas y chocolate caliente.

We endured the cold with blankets and hot chocolate.

Direct Action

Unlike English, 'resistir' usually takes its object directly, without needing a preposition like 'to' or 'against'. (e.g., 'Resistir la tentación' not 'resistir a la tentación').

Mixing with 'Support'

Mistake: “Usar 'resistir' cuando se quiere decir 'apoyar' o 'soportar' (in the sense of supporting a structure).”

Correction: Use 'soportar' or 'aguantar' when referring to a physical object holding weight. 'Resistir' is usually about opposition or enduring difficulty.

See full entry for “resistir” →

sostener

soh-steh-NEHR/sosteˈneɾ/

verbB1general

Use 'sostener' when physically holding something up or maintaining its position, often implying a direct, steady support.

A strong stone pillar supporting a heavy wooden beam overhead.

Examples

La mesa es muy pesada, pero la sostengo sin problema.

The table is very heavy, but I am holding it up without a problem.

Necesitamos más columnas para sostener el techo del garaje.

We need more columns to support the garage roof.

Mi trabajo sostiene a toda mi familia.

My job supports my whole family (financially).

Irregular 'Yo' Form

Like its root verb 'tener', the 'yo' form in the present tense is irregular: 'yo sostengo'. This 'g' carries over into the present subjunctive.

Confusing 'sostener' and 'tener'

Mistake: “Using 'tener' when you mean 'to hold up' or 'to support'.”

Correction: 'Tener' usually means 'to have' or 'to hold in your hand'. 'Sostener' specifically means 'to bear weight' or 'to keep something from falling'.

See full entry for “sostener” →

Cargar vs. Soportar

Learners often confuse 'cargar' and 'soportar'. Remember, 'cargar' usually implies actively carrying or taking on something, while 'soportar' often means to endure something difficult or to passively bear weight.

Related Translations

to endure→to support→to argue→to assert→to bill→to carry→to charge→to haul→

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