mantenerse a flote
/manteneɾse a flote/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for stay afloat is mantenerse a flote.
Similar to English, mantenerse a flote can be used literally for objects in water and figuratively for financial or emotional survival. If you are in a formal business or financial context and wish to convey the specific idea of staying financially stable, you may use mantenerse solvente.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb mantenerse (to keep oneself) and the prepositional phrase a flote (afloat).
How do you pronounce it?
/manteneɾse a flote/
Did you know?
- Spanish has a related expression salir a flote, which means not just staying afloat, but successfully surfacing or emerging from a crisis.
- The reflexive form mantenerse implies a level of personal effort or agency, suggesting the person is actively fighting to stay above water.
- While mantenerse a flote is common, Spanish speakers often use the verb sobrevivir (to survive) in financial contexts where English speakers would still say 'stay afloat'.
Examples in context
- Es importante mantenerse a flote en tiempos económicos difíciles.It's important to stay afloat in tough economic times.
- Tenemos que encontrar una manera de mantenernos solventes para asegurar el éxito a largo plazo.We need to find a way to stay financially stable to ensure long-term success.
- La empresa lucha por mantenerse a flote.The company is struggling to stay afloat.
- Es difícil mantenerse a flote con esta crisis.It is difficult to stay afloat with this crisis.
- El pequeño negocio logra mantenerse a flote.The small business manages to stay afloat.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing the financial state of a local cafe.
- Elena¿Cómo va el negocio de café, Daniel?How is the coffee business going, Daniel?
- DanielEs difícil mantenerse a flote con tantos gastos.It is hard to stay afloat with so many expenses.
- ElenaEspero que pronto todo mejore para ti.I hope everything improves for you soon.
- DanielGracias, Elena, eso es lo que espero.Thanks, Elena, that is what I hope.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
