mantén la cabeza en alto
/manten la kabeθa en alto/from spelling rules
The English phrase "keep your head up" is translated into Spanish as mantén la cabeza en alto.
This is an encouraging phrase used to tell someone to stay positive and proud during a difficult time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "keep the head in high [position]".
Which one should you use?
You can also use Mantenga la frente en alto as a formal way to say "keep your head up". If you want to specifically tell someone "don't get discouraged" in an informal setting, you might use No te desanimes.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a group of people, use the plural form mantengan la cabeza en alto.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, physical posture is deeply linked to emotional state. Telling someone to keep their 'forehead' or 'head' high is a way of commanding them to maintain their dignity through body language.
- The word alto in this phrase is a 'learned borrowing' from Latin, meaning it was consciously reintroduced into the language by scholars rather than evolving naturally through common speech.
- In Spanish, the idea of staying positive is often linked to ánimo, a word derived from the Latin word for 'spirit' or 'soul'. This is why No te desanimes is a common way to encourage someone to keep their head up.
Examples in context
- Antonio, te has esforzado mucho últimamente. A pesar de los obstáculos, mantén la frente en alto y sigue adelante.Antonio, you have been working hard lately. Despite the obstacles, keep your head up and keep going.
- María, sé que atraviesas una etapa difícil, pero sigue adelante sin bajar la mirada. Eres una persona valiente y superarás todo.María, I know you're going through a difficult stage, but keep your head up and keep moving forward. You are a brave person, and you will overcome everything.
- Manuel, sé que estás pasando por momentos difíciles, pero no te desanimes. Eres fuerte y capaz de superar cualquier cosa.Manuel, I know you're going through tough times, but don't get discouraged. You are strong and capable of overcoming anything.
- Sé que es difícil, pero mantén la cabeza en alto.I know it's difficult, but keep your head up.
- No te rindas, mantén la cabeza en alto siempre.Don't give up, always keep your head up.
- A pesar de los problemas, mantén la cabeza en alto.Despite the problems, keep your head up.
Example conversation
Sofía is comforting Mateo after he lost his job.
- SofíaLo siento mucho, Mateo.I am so sorry, Mateo.
- MateoGracias, Sofía, pero me siento muy desanimado.Thanks, Sofía, but I feel very discouraged.
- SofíaPor favor, mantén la cabeza en alto.Please, keep your head up.
- MateoTienes razón, trataré de ser positivo.You are right, I will try to be positive.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alto, cabeza, en, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
