How to Say "to support" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to support” is “apoyar” — use 'apoyar' when you mean to physically hold something up, or to back a person, idea, or cause with your approval or help.
apoyar
ah-poh-YARa.poˈʝaɾ
Examples
Todos los vecinos apoyamos su iniciativa para limpiar el parque.
All the neighbors support her initiative to clean the park.
Ella apoyó la escalera contra la pared.
She leaned the ladder against the wall.
Necesito algo para apoyar este libro pesado.
I need something to support this heavy book.
La familia la apoyó financieramente durante sus estudios.
The family supported her financially during her studies.
Direct Use
When using 'apoyar' to mean physical support, it acts directly on the object being held up (e.g., 'apoyar la mano' - to rest the hand).
Direct Object Use
When supporting a person or idea, 'apoyar' takes them as a direct object. Unlike some English equivalents, it doesn't usually require a preposition like 'a' before the person unless clarifying identity.
Confusing 'Apoyar' and 'Soportar'
Mistake: “Using 'soportar' when you mean 'to support' (help/back).”
Correction: 'Soportar' usually means 'to tolerate' or 'to bear a burden.' Use 'apoyar' for moral or financial help.
sostener
soh-steh-NEHRsosteˈneɾ
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'.
mantener
man-teh-NEHRmanteˈneɾ
Examples
Él trabaja en dos lugares para mantener a su familia.
He works two jobs to support his family.
Le cuesta mucho mantener un apartamento tan grande.
It costs him a lot to maintain such a large apartment.
Supporting People
When you talk about financially supporting a person or people, you need to add the little word 'a'. For example, 'mantener a mis hijos' (to support my children).
respaldar
rrehs-pahl-dahrres.palˈdaɾ
Examples
Mis padres siempre respaldan mis decisiones.
My parents always support my decisions.
El presidente respaldó el nuevo plan de salud.
The president endorsed the new health plan.
No tienes pruebas que respalden lo que dices.
You don't have evidence to back up what you're saying.
It's completely regular
This verb follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar', you already know how to conjugate 'respaldar'!
Using it with evidence
When you want to say that facts 'back up' an idea, use 'respaldar' followed directly by what is being supported.
Choosing between Apoyar and Respaldar
Mistake: “Using 'respaldar' to describe leaning against a wall.”
Correction: Use 'apoyarse'. 'Respaldar' is for metaphorical support (like ideas or people), not physical leaning.
soportar
soh-por-TARso.porˈtaɾ
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].
sustentar
soos-tehn-TARsustenˈtaɾ
Examples
Las columnas sustentan el techo del edificio.
The columns support the roof of the building.
Es asombroso cómo esos hilos tan finos sustentan tanto peso.
It's amazing how those thin threads hold up so much weight.
La base debe ser fuerte para sustentar la estatua.
The base must be strong to support the statue.
It's a regular -ar verb
Sustentar follows the standard pattern for all -ar verbs. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar', you know how to conjugate 'sustentar'.
Using 'se' for passive actions
You will often see 'se sustenta' (it is supported) when the person doing the supporting isn't important.
Sustentar vs. Soportar
Mistake: “Using 'soportar' to mean supporting a roof.”
Correction: Use 'sustentar' or 'sostener'. 'Soportar' usually means to tolerate someone annoying or to endure pain.
avalor
ah-bah-LAHRaβaˈlaɾ
Examples
Sus años de experiencia avalan su profesionalidad.
Her years of experience support her professionalism.
Varios científicos famosos avalaron el nuevo estudio.
Several famous scientists endorsed the new study.
Los datos avalan nuestra hipótesis inicial.
The data supports our initial hypothesis.
Abstract Subjects
In this meaning, the subject (the thing doing the 'aval') is often an abstract concept like 'experience' or 'data' rather than a person.
Confusing with 'aplaudir'
Mistake: “Todos avalan sus palabras.”
Correction: Avalar isn't just agreeing; it's providing credibility. Use 'apoyar' if you just mean agreement, and 'avalar' if the support adds authority.
apoya
ah-POY-ahaˈpoʝa
Examples
Ella siempre apoya a su familia.
She always supports her family.
El gobierno apoya el nuevo plan.
The government backs the new plan.
When to use 'apoya'
Use this form when you want to say 'he supports,' 'she supports,' or 'it supports.' It also works when you are telling a friend to 'support' something.
Support vs. Assist
Mistake: “Using 'asistir' to mean emotional support.”
Correction: Use 'apoyar' (apoya) for emotional or moral backing; 'asistir' usually means to attend an event.
adherir
ah-deh-reeraðeˈɾiɾ
Examples
Muchos países decidieron adherir al tratado de paz.
Many countries decided to join the peace treaty.
Me adhiero a lo que ha dicho mi compañero.
I support (stick to) what my colleague has said.
El sindicato se adhirió a la huelga general.
The union joined the general strike.
Reflexive Use
When talking about joining a group or supporting an idea, you usually add 'se' to the verb (adherirse). It's like saying you are 'sticking yourself' to that cause.
Confusing with 'unirse'
Mistake: “Me adhirieron al club.”
Correction: Me adherí al club. 'Adherir' in this sense is something you choose to do yourself, so it needs the reflexive 'me/te/se' forms.
Physical vs. Abstract Support
Related Translations
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