How to Say "to maintain" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to maintain” is “mantener” — use 'mantener' when you want to talk about preserving a situation, keeping a certain level, or staying in a particular state, especially during challenging circumstances.
mantener
man-teh-NEHRmanteˈneɾ
Examples
Es importante mantener la calma en una emergencia.
It's important to keep calm in an emergency.
Intento mantener mi habitación ordenada.
I try to keep my room tidy.
Hemos mantenido una buena relación durante años.
We have maintained a good relationship for years.
El científico mantiene que su teoría es correcta.
The scientist maintains that his theory is correct.
Irregular 'yo' Form
Just like 'tener' (tengo), the 'yo' form in the present is irregular: 'mantengo'. Many other changes also follow 'tener' (e.g., 'mantuve', 'mantendré').
Keeping a State
This meaning is often followed by a word that describes a state or quality. For example, 'mantener algo limpio' (to keep something clean) or 'mantener la puerta abierta' (to keep the door open).
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).
Using 'Guardar' instead
Mistake: “Guardo la calma.”
Correction: Mantengo la calma. Use 'guardar' for putting things away or storing them, not for maintaining a state or condition.
mantener
man-teh-NEHRmanteˈneɾ
Examples
El científico mantiene que su teoría es correcta.
The scientist maintains that his theory is correct.
Es importante mantener la calma en una emergencia.
It's important to keep calm in an emergency.
Intento mantener mi habitación ordenada.
I try to keep my room tidy.
Hemos mantenido una buena relación durante años.
We have maintained a good relationship for years.
Irregular 'yo' Form
Just like 'tener' (tengo), the 'yo' form in the present is irregular: 'mantengo'. Many other changes also follow 'tener' (e.g., 'mantuve', 'mantendré').
Keeping a State
This meaning is often followed by a word that describes a state or quality. For example, 'mantener algo limpio' (to keep something clean) or 'mantener la puerta abierta' (to keep the door open).
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).
Using 'Guardar' instead
Mistake: “Guardo la calma.”
Correction: Mantengo la calma. Use 'guardar' for putting things away or storing them, not for maintaining a state or condition.
afirmar
ah-fear-MAHRa.fiɾˈmaɾ
Examples
Afirmó que había estado allí.
He affirmed that he had been there.
El testigo afirmó la verdad de su declaración.
The witness confirmed the truth of his statement.
—¿Estás seguro? —Afirmativo, estoy seguro.
—Are you sure? —Yes, I'm sure.
Saying yes firmly
In informal Spanish, people often say '¡Afirmativo!' (affirmative) or just 'Afirm' as a casual way to say yes, similar to 'yeah!' in English.
Confusing afirmar with afirmar
Mistake: “Using 'afirmar' when you mean 'to make something firm physically'”
Correction: Use 'asegurar' or 'fijar' for the physical meaning (to secure/attach something).
sostener
soh-steh-NEHRsosteˈneɾ
Examples
El presidente sostiene que la economía mejorará pronto.
The president maintains (or asserts) that the economy will improve soon.
Ella sostuvo su argumento a pesar de la crítica.
She upheld her argument despite the criticism.
Los científicos sostienen la teoría del calentamiento global.
The scientists support (or uphold) the theory of global warming.
Common Structure
When used to assert an idea, 'sostener' is often followed by 'que' and a statement in the indicative mood (normal verb form), since it expresses certainty: 'Sostengo que tienes razón' (I maintain that you are right).
Choosing Between 'Mantener' and 'Afirmar/Sostener'
Related Translations
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