Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| aguantar | /aɡwanˈtaɾ/ |
| sujetar | /suxeˈtaɾ/ |
The translation of 'hold' depends heavily on whether you are talking about physical grasping, endurance or maintaining a state. If you mean to hold something to prevent it from falling, or to secure an object, you use sujetar. If you mean to endure physical or emotional strain, to tolerate something or to 'hold your liquor', you use aguantar. For supporting the weight of something or holding it in place, you can also use sostener. Additionally, aguantar la respiración is the specific phrase used for 'hold your breath' and realizar una reunión is used to express the idea of 'hold a meeting'.
Which one should you use?
aguantar is used for endurance, tolerance or physical/emotional strain. In contrast, sujetar is used when the meaning is to physically grasp, fasten or secure an object to keep it from moving. For supporting the weight of an object, sostener is a common alternative.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/aɡwanˈtaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use aguantar when they mean to physically hold or grasp an object. Instead, use sujetar or sostener for physical grasping.
Did you know?
- The verb sujetar shares a root with the English word 'subject'. Both come from the Latin term for putting something under or bringing it near to control it.
- While English uses 'hold' for a meeting, Spanish uses realizar, which means 'to carry out' or 'to make'. Spanish speakers view a meeting as an action to be completed rather than a space to be held.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying aguantar in the context of a fight is a common way to tell someone to 'hold their ground' or 'tough it out'.
Examples in context
- Ya no puedo aguantar.I can't hold it anymore.This sentence illustrates using aguantar to express an inability to endure or hold a situation.Tatoeba #2440920 by hayastan, translation #453370 by CM
- ¿Me lo puedes sujetar un momento?Can you hold it a moment for me?This sentence shows how to use sujetar when asking someone to hold an object temporarily.Tatoeba #1315175 by marcelostockle, translation #1315280 by marcelostockle
- No puedo aguantar el aguardiente.I can't hold my liquor.This sentence demonstrates the use of aguantar in the context of alcohol tolerance.Tatoeba #7484880 by arh, translation #10258633 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Por favor, espere un momento.Please hold on for a moment.
- Por favor, mantenga la línea.Please hold the line.
- ¡Espera un momento, por favor!Hold on for a moment, please!
- Aguántame un poco, ¿quieres?Hold on for a bit, will you?
- Aguanta la respiración y cuenta hasta diez.Hold your breath and count to ten.
- Vamos a realizar una reunión para discutir el proyecto.We're going to hold a meeting to discuss the project.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier is helping Sofía carry a heavy box.
- Javier¿Puedes aguantar la caja un momento, Sofía?Can you hold the box for a moment, Sofía?
- SofíaSí, yo la aguanto ahora.Yes, I'll hold it now.
- JavierGracias, voy a abrir la puerta.Thanks, I'm going to open the door.
- SofíaDate prisa, que pesa mucho.Hurry up, it's very heavy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hold” translations and entries aguantar, sujetar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aguantar, sujetar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
