Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| resistencia | /resisˈtenθja/ /resisˈtensja/ |
feminine |
| estamina | /estaˈmina/ | feminine |
| aguante | /aˈɡwante/ | masculine |
| stamina (stámina) | feminine | |
| fondo | /ˈfondo/ | masculine |
In Spanish, the term refers to the power of sustained exertion, whether that exertion is physical or mental.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific type of stamina you are describing. resistencia is the standard and most common term for both physical and mental stamina. aguante refers more colloquially to the ability to endure or 'hold out' under physical strain or pressure. In a sports or fitness context, fondo is used specifically to describe aerobic endurance or 'base' stamina.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say that someone 'has stamina', use the verb tener with resistencia (tener resistencia).
How do you pronounce it?
/resisˈtenθja/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say estamina by adding an initial 'e' due to the influence of English phonology. However, you should use resistencia instead.
Did you know?
- The word aguante comes from the verb aguantar, which is rooted in the word for 'glove' in Italian and Old French. It originally described the act of grasping or seizing something firmly with a glove.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, aguante is used as a slang term for passion or loyalty toward a sports team. A fan with aguante is someone who supports their team regardless of the score.
- The term fondo literally means 'bottom' or 'depth'. When used for stamina, it refers to the deep reservoir of energy a long-distance athlete possesses.
Examples in context
- La resistencia es la capacidad de llevar a cabo una actividad física o mental durante un período de tiempo prolongado sin cansarse. Se puede aumentar la resistencia con el entrenamiento, el mantenimiento de un estilo de vida saludable y el consumo de una dieta sana y equilibrada.Stamina is the capacity to carry on a physical or mental activity for an extensive period of time without getting tired. You can increase your stamina by training, by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and by consuming a healthy and balanced diet.This sentence explains how to increase resistencia through training and lifestyle choices.Tatoeba #4530969 by cueyayotl, translation #1340252 by al_ex_an_der
- No sé cómo hace, pero Juan tiene un aguante impresionante para hacer deporte.I don't know how he does it, but Juan has an impressive amount of stamina for sports.
- Necesito mejorar mi resistencia para correr un maratón.I need to improve my stamina to run a marathon.
- Los ciclistas tienen una resistencia increíble.Cyclists have incredible stamina.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are at a gym after a workout.
- SofíaEstoy agotada, me falta resistencia.I am exhausted, I lack stamina.
- MateoEs normal, acabas de empezar el entrenamiento.It is normal, you just started training.
- Sofía¿Crees que la mejoraré pronto?Do you think I will improve it soon?
- MateoSí, con constancia tu resistencia aumentará.Yes, with consistency your stamina will increase.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stamina” translations and entries resistencia, estamina, aguante, fondo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aguante, resistencia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
