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How to Say "to stand" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aguantar

/a-gwan-TAR//a.ɣwanˈtaɾ/

verbA2colloquial
Use 'aguantar' when 'to stand' means to tolerate or put up with something unpleasant, like noise or a difficult situation.
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/

verbA2standard
Use 'soportar' to mean to endure or bear something, often a physical discomfort like heat or a heavy load.
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'.

parar

/pa-RAR//paˈɾaɾ/

pronominal verbA2standard
Use the pronominal form 'pararse' when 'to stand' means to get up from a seated or lying position and be in an upright posture.
A simple, cartoon-style figure is actively pushing off a small stool, transitioning from a sitting position to a fully standing position.

Examples

Cuando entró el profesor, todos los alumnos se pararon.

When the teacher came in, all the students stood up.

El coche se paró de repente en medio de la calle.

The car suddenly stopped in the middle of the street.

No te pares en la puerta, por favor.

Don't stand in the doorway, please.

What's a 'Pronominal Verb'?

It's just a verb where the action reflects back on the person doing it. You show this by adding a little word like 'me', 'te', or 'se' before the verb. So 'pararse' means to stop oneself or to make oneself stand up.

Tolerate vs. Upright Position

Learners often confuse 'aguantar'/'soportar' (to tolerate/endure) with 'pararse' (to be in an upright position). Remember, if you mean to endure something, use 'aguantar' or 'soportar'. If you mean to physically get up or be standing, use 'pararse'.

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