Inklingo

How to Say "to endure" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to endure” is “aguantar” — use 'aguantar' when you mean to tolerate or put up with something difficult or annoying, often implying a degree of suffering or patience..

aguantar🔊A2

Use 'aguantar' when you mean to tolerate or put up with something difficult or annoying, often implying a degree of suffering or patience.

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soportar🔊A2

Choose 'soportar' when referring to bearing or tolerating a difficult situation, physical pain, or something unpleasant, similar to 'aguantar' but can be slightly more formal or emphasize bearing a burden.

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resistir🔊B1

Use 'resistir' when you need to describe the act of withstanding pressure, temptation, or a difficult situation without giving in.

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durar🔊B1

Employ 'durar' when you are talking about how long something lasts or withstands use over time, focusing on longevity and durability.

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permanecer🔊B2

Opt for 'permanecer' when you want to convey the idea of something remaining in a place or state over time, emphasizing continuity rather than active endurance.

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English → Spanish

aguantar

/a-gwan-TAR//a.ɣwanˈtaɾ/

verbA2informal
Use 'aguantar' when you mean to tolerate or put up with something difficult or annoying, often implying a degree of suffering or patience.
A simplified illustration of a person standing calmly, enduring a small, persistent rain cloud that is only raining directly on their head.

Examples

No aguanto el ruido de mis vecinos por la noche.

I can't stand the noise from my neighbors at night.

Ella aguantó la presión del examen final con mucha calma.

She endured the pressure of the final exam very calmly.

¿Puedes aguantar hasta que lleguemos al restaurante?

Can you hold on (or endure) until we get to the restaurant?

Direct Object Needed

When using 'aguantar' to mean 'tolerate,' you usually need to say what you are tolerating immediately afterward (e.g., 'Aguanto el calor'—I tolerate the heat).

Confusing with 'Esperar'

Mistake: “Using 'aguantar' when you simply mean 'to wait' for a specific time or event ('Aguanto el bus').”

Correction: Use 'esperar' for waiting ('Espero el bus'). Use 'aguantar' when the waiting involves endurance or difficulty.

soportar

soh-por-TAR/so.porˈtaɾ/

verbA2
Choose 'soportar' when referring to bearing or tolerating a difficult situation, physical pain, or something unpleasant, similar to 'aguantar' but can be slightly more formal or emphasize bearing a burden.
A person standing patiently while small, harmless, colorful droplets fall on their head, illustrating tolerance.

Examples

No soporto el calor de esta ciudad en verano.

I can't stand the heat of this city in the summer.

Ella soporta las críticas con mucha paciencia.

She endures the criticism with a lot of patience.

¿Puedes soportar a tu jefe por ocho horas al día?

Can you put up with your boss for eight hours a day?

Direct Object

The thing or person you are tolerating always receives the action directly, without needing a preposition like 'a' unless referring to a specific person.

Confusing 'soportar' with 'apoyar'

Mistake: “Using 'soportar' when you mean 'to support/encourage' someone emotionally.”

Correction: Use 'apoyar' or 'dar apoyo' for emotional encouragement. 'Soportar' means enduring something annoying. Example: Use 'Apoyo a mi amigo' (I support my friend), not 'Soporto a mi amigo'.

resistir

reh-sees-TEER/resiˈstiɾ/

verbB1
Use 'resistir' when you need to describe the act of withstanding pressure, temptation, or a difficult situation without giving in.
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.

durar

/doo-RAHR//duˈɾaɾ/

verbB1
Employ 'durar' when you are talking about how long something lasts or withstands use over time, focusing on longevity and durability.
A durable, sturdy brown leather boot that looks old but is still completely intact and in excellent, usable condition.

Examples

Este tipo de batería dura más que el modelo anterior.

This type of battery lasts longer than the previous model.

Queremos comprar muebles que duren.

We want to buy furniture that holds up (lasts).

No creo que mi viejo coche dure otro invierno.

I don't think my old car will survive another winter.

Use with Negatives

When you say something won't last or don't think it will last, Spanish often uses the special form (subjunctive) in the second part of the sentence: 'No creo que dure' (I don't believe it will last).

permanecer

pehr-mah-neh-SEHR/peɾ.ma.neˈseɾ/

verbB2formal
Opt for 'permanecer' when you want to convey the idea of something remaining in a place or state over time, emphasizing continuity rather than active endurance.
A massive, sturdy oak tree with deep green foliage standing firmly rooted in a sunny green field, symbolizing continuous existence or state.

Examples

A pesar de todo, la esperanza permanece en nuestros corazones.

Despite everything, hope remains in our hearts.

La ley permanecerá vigente hasta el próximo año.

The law will remain in effect until next year.

Es importante que permanezcamos unidos durante la crisis.

It is important that we remain united during the crisis.

Subjunctive for Wishes/Commands

When you use 'permanecer' after expressions of need, desire, or importance (like 'Es importante que...'), you must use the special verb form (permanezca/permanezcamos).

Using Ser/Estar Instead

Mistake: “La situación está estable.”

Correction: La situación permanece estable. (Using 'permanecer' emphasizes the *action* of staying stable, rather than just describing the current state.)

Tolerating vs. Lasting

Learners often confuse verbs like 'aguantar'/'soportar' (to tolerate/put up with) with 'durar' (to last). Remember that 'aguantar' and 'soportar' are about bearing something unpleasant, while 'durar' is about how long something continues to exist or function.

Related Translations

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