How to Say "to support" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to support” is “apoyar” — use 'apoyar' when you mean to back a person, idea, or cause, or to physically lean something against another object..
apoyar
ah-poh-YAR/a.poˈʝaɾ/
Examples
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.
Todos los vecinos apoyamos su iniciativa para limpiar el parque.
All the neighbors support her initiative to clean the park.
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.
apoya
/ah-POY-ah//aˈpoʝa/
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.
sostener
soh-steh-NEHR/sosteˈneɾ/
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-NEHR//manteˈneɾ/
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).
soportar
soh-por-TAR/so.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].
Apoyar vs. Sostener vs. Mantener
Related Translations
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