mantener en su lugar
/manteneɾ en su luɡaɾ/from spelling rules
To hold in place in Spanish is mantener en su lugar.
This phrase is used to describe the act of keeping something from moving or shifting its position.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb mantener (to keep/maintain), the preposition en (in), the possessive su (its) and the noun lugar (place).
Which one should you use?
While su can mean 'his', 'her' or 'their', in the context of mantener en su lugar, it is most commonly understood as 'its' when referring to an object's position.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the third-person singular possessive su to refer to the object's own place, regardless of whether the object is masculine or feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/manteneɾ en su luɡaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word lugar can be used in the idiomatic expression no tener lugar, which means a request or argument is inadmissible or groundless.
- The verb mantener contains a hidden physical action, as it is built from the Latin words for 'with the hand' and 'to hold'.
- While lugar means 'place', the related word local in Spanish often refers to a physical business or shop, such as 'un local comercial'.
Examples in context
- ¡Por favor, mantenga el libro en su lugar mientras tomo algunas notas!Please hold the book in place while I take some notes!
- Le ruego que sujete el delicado jarrón en posición hasta que lo acomode correctamente.I kindly ask you to hold the delicate vase in place until I arrange it properly.
- Aguanta el plato unos segundos mientras busco el control remoto.Hold the plate for a moment while I look for the remote control.
- Sostén esa cuerda bien para que no se desate el paquete.Hold that rope tightly so that the package doesn't come undone.
- Usa pegamento para mantener la tapa en su lugar.Use glue to hold the lid in place.
- Debes mantener en su lugar el tapete.You must keep the rug in place.
- Usa pegamento para mantener en su lugar los adornos.Use glue to hold the decorations in place.
- Ese tornillo ayuda a mantener en su lugar la mesa.That screw helps to keep the table in place.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are fixing a broken shelf in the living room.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿puedes mantener en su lugar esta tabla?Alejandro, can you hold this board in place?
- AlejandroSí, la estoy sujetando con mucha fuerza.Yes, I am holding it very tightly.
- MaríaPerfecto, ahora voy a poner los tornillos.Perfect, now I am going to put the screws in.
- AlejandroTen cuidado para no moverla.Be careful not to move it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, lugar, mantener, su, CC BY-SA 4.0.
