Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| mantener | /manteˈneɾ/ |
| manutener | /manuteˈneɾ/ |
Mantener is used to describe the act of keeping up a state, a level or a relationship. For example, you can use it when talking about keeping your composure in the idiomatic expression mantener la calma. While it is the standard verb for keeping something as it is, other formal verbs exist for specific nuances: conservar emphasizes preserving or conserving something, preservar focuses on safeguarding something from harm and sostener is used to convey maintaining something in figurative or abstract contexts.
Which one should you use?
Mantener is the standard, common verb for keeping a state, level or relationship. In contrast, manutener is an obsolete or highly specialized form that is rarely used in modern Spanish.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular present indicative of mantener is mantiene (he/she maintains). The third-person singular preterite form is mantuvo (he/she maintained). The past participle is mantenido (maintained).
How do you pronounce it?
/manteˈneɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use manutener when they intend to say to maintain or to keep up. You should use mantener instead.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word mantener is a literal combination of the words for 'with the hand' and 'to hold'. It mirrors the English logic of supporting something physically to keep it upright.
- While mantener refers to keeping a state, the related word mantenimiento is used for the technical 'maintenance' of a car or building.
- Spanish uses mantener to describe 'holding' a specific physical position, such as mantener la postura, while English often switches to 'keep' or 'stay'.
Examples in context
- No supo mantener su autoridad.He couldn't maintain his authority.This sentence shows how to use mantener regarding authority.Tatoeba #2258294 by hayastan, translation #2258293 by _undertoad
- Él no puede mantener una conversación.He can't maintain a conversation.This sentence demonstrates using mantener in the context of a conversation.Tatoeba #5110917 by ecorralest101, translation #5111800 by katsmal
- Las mujeres suelen conversar para mantener relaciones personales.Women use talking to maintain personal relationships.This sentence illustrates using mantener to describe maintaining personal relationships.Tatoeba #1422500 by marcelostockle, translation #267314 by CM
- Es importante mantener una alimentación equilibrada.It is important to maintain a balanced diet.
- Es fundamental conservar nuestro patrimonio cultural.It is essential to maintain our cultural heritage.
- Es esencial preservar el medio ambiente para las generaciones futuras.It is essential to maintain the environment for future generations.
- No sé cómo mantener mi peso sin hacer ejercicio.I don't know how to maintain my weight without exercising.
- Debes cuidar tu jardín para mantenerlo hermoso.You should maintain your garden to keep it beautiful.
- Es importante conservar una buena relación con tus amigos.It is important to maintain a good relationship with your friends.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are jogging together in a park.
- JavierLucía, ¿puedes mantener mi ritmo?Lucía, can you keep up with my pace?
- LucíaNo puedo mantener el paso, Javier.I can't keep up, Javier.
- JavierNo te preocupes, vamos más despacio.Don't worry, we'll go slower.
- LucíaGracias, así es mucho mejor.Thanks, this is much better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maintain” translations and entries mantener, manutener, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mantener, manutener, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
