aguantar
/aɡwanˈtaɾ/
To endure in Spanish is aguantar. Wiktionary also lists perdurar and turar.
Meaning: to continue despite obstacles (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| aguantar | /aɡwanˈtaɾ/ |
| perdurar | /peɾduˈɾaɾ/ |
| turar | /tuɾaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
The most common translation for 'endure' is aguantar. While aguantar is the standard choice, you may also see sufrir (to suffer) used as a translation for 'endure' in certain regions. If you want to emphasize a more active form of endurance, such as resistance or opposition, you can use resistir.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on what is being endured. Use aguantar for enduring physical or emotional discomfort. Use perdurar when referring to things that endure through time, such as an object, an idea or a legacy (to last or to persist).
How does it change in a sentence?
aguantar is a regular -ar verb. For example, its past tense third-person singular is aguantó.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɡwanˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Italian verb agguantare, from which aguantar is borrowed, actually means 'to snatch' or 'to grab' something quickly.
- If you are told ¡Aguántate! in a heated moment, it is not an encouragement to be strong, but a blunt command to 'shut up' or 'deal with it'.
- Depending on the country, saying aguantar during a sports match can be a call for the team to maintain their defensive position and not collapse.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué lástima sólo aguantar la vida en vez de disfrutarla!What a shame to just endure life rather than enjoying it.This sentence uses aguantar to express the idea of enduring life rather than enjoying it.Tatoeba #1008681 by darinmex, translation #1008678 by darinmex
- Debemos soportar las dificultades y continuar luchando por nuestros objetivos.We must endure the difficulties and keep fighting for our goals.
- Nuestro equipo debe resistir las críticas y seguir adelante con confianza.Our team must endure the criticism and move forward with confidence.
- No puedo aguantar el calor de este verano.I can't endure the heat of this summer.
- Hay que aguantar a los vecinos ruidosos.We have to endure the noisy neighbors.
- Estoy aprendiendo a sobrellevar el estrés del trabajo.I am learning to endure the stress of work.
- Tenemos que sobrellevar los problemas y encontrar soluciones juntos.We have to endure the problems and find solutions together.
- Él puede aguantar el calor del desierto.He can endure the heat of the desert.
- No sé cómo aguantar tanto estrés.I don't know how to endure so much stress.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking about a difficult job.
- AlejandroEstoy muy cansado de este trabajo.I am very tired of this job.
- MaríaSolo tienes que aguantar hasta el lunes.You just have to endure until Monday.
- AlejandroLo sé, pero es muy difícil.I know, but it is very difficult.
- MaríaTú puedes lograrlo, Alejandro.You can do it, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “endure” translations and entries aguantar, perdurar, turar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aguantar, perdurar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
