How to Say "to hold" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to hold” is “tomar” — use 'tomar' when 'to hold' means to take or grasp someone's hand, often as a gesture of connection or support..
tomar
/toh-MAHR//toˈmaɾ/
Examples
Toma mi mano si tienes miedo.
Take my hand if you're scared.
Por favor, toma un folleto de la mesa.
Please, take a brochure from the table.
Tomó las llaves y salió de la casa.
He took the keys and left the house.
'Tomar' vs. 'Llevar'
Mistake: “Voy a tomarte al aeropuerto.”
Correction: Voy a llevarte al aeropuerto. Use 'llevar' when you mean 'to take' someone or something *to* a place. Use 'tomar' for grabbing or getting something.
agarrar
ah-gah-RRAHR/aɣaˈraɾ/
Examples
Agarré el paraguas antes de salir porque estaba lloviendo.
I grabbed the umbrella before leaving because it was raining.
Por favor, agarra mi mano, el suelo está resbaladizo.
Please, hold my hand, the floor is slippery.
Direct Action Verb
This verb is transitive, meaning the action always directly affects an object (what you grab or hold). Think: 'I grab [the thing].'
ocupar
oh-koo-PAHR/o.kuˈpaɾ/
Examples
¿Este asiento está ocupado?
Is this seat taken (occupied)?
Mi trabajo ocupa la mayor parte de mi día.
My job takes up the majority of my day.
La mesa tan grande ocupa demasiado espacio en la cocina.
The large table occupies too much space in the kitchen.
El presidente ocupa el cargo por cuatro años.
The president holds the post for four years.
Direct Use
This meaning uses the standard verb form and directly acts on a thing (space, time, or a seat) without needing extra prepositions.
Professional Context
When talking about jobs, 'ocupar' means you currently hold that role. It is transitive, meaning the job title is the direct receiver of the action.
guardar
/gwar-DAR//ɡwaɾˈðaɾ/
Examples
Te prometo que voy a guardar tu secreto.
I promise you that I am going to keep your secret.
Debes guardar silencio en la biblioteca.
You must observe (keep) silence in the library.
El equipo guardó un minuto de silencio en honor al fallecido.
The team held a minute of silence in honor of the deceased.
Keeping Abstract Things
When dealing with abstract nouns like 'secreto' (secret), 'silencio' (silence), or 'rencor' (grudge), 'guardar' means to actively retain or maintain that state.
contener
/kon-te-ner//konteˈneɾ/
Examples
Esta caja contiene libros viejos.
This box contains old books.
El refresco contiene mucho azúcar.
The soda contains a lot of sugar.
El documento contiene información importante.
The document contains important information.
The 'Tener' Connection
This word is just the word 'tener' (to have) with 'con-' at the beginning. It follows all the same weird spelling changes as 'tener'.
Present Tense Spelling
Mistake: “yo contengo (correct), yo conteno (incorrect)”
Correction: Just like you say 'yo tengo', you must say 'yo contengo' with a 'g' sound.
mantener
/man-teh-NEHR//manteˈneɾ/
Examples
El científico mantiene que su teoría es correcta.
The scientist maintains that his theory is correct.
A pesar de la evidencia, el acusado mantuvo su inocencia.
Despite the evidence, the defendant maintained his innocence.
Stating a Belief
This use of 'mantener' is almost always followed by 'que' to introduce the belief or statement you are holding onto. For example, 'Mantengo que es la mejor opción' (I maintain that it's the best option).
Physical Grip vs. Keeping Secrets
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.