mantenerse en forma
/manteneɾse en foɾma/from spelling rules
To stay fit in Spanish is mantenerse en forma.
This phrase is used to describe the act of keeping the body healthy and strong through regular exercise and a good diet.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb mantenerse (to keep oneself) and the prepositional phrase en forma (in shape).
Which one should you use?
While mantenerse en forma emphasizes the ongoing process of staying fit, estar en forma describes the current state of being fit.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, Cuida tu línea means 'Take care of your figure.'
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the phrase uses the reflexive pronoun se, you must change the pronoun to match the subject: me mantengo en forma (I stay fit) or te mantienes en forma (you stay fit).
How do you pronounce it?
/manteneɾse en foɾma/
Did you know?
- The word forma shares an ancient root with the English word 'form' and the Greek word horma, which originally referred to a mold used for shaping pottery.
- While mantenerse en forma describes the ongoing process, Spanish speakers use the verb ponerse to describe the specific transition of getting fit.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying estoy en forma can be a modest understatement, as people may use it even when they are merely 'healthy' rather than athletic.
Examples in context
- Hago mucho ejercicio para mantenerme en forma.I do a lot of exercise to stay fit.
- Es importante mantenerse en forma.It is important to stay fit.
- Ella corre para mantenerse en forma.She runs to stay fit.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are talking about their health habits.
- SofíaJavier, ¿estás yendo al gimnasio?Javier, are you going to the gym?
- JavierSí, quiero mantenerme en forma este año.Yes, I want to stay fit this year.
- SofíaYo prefiero caminar por el parque.I prefer walking in the park.
- JavierEso también ayuda mucho a mantenerse en forma.That also helps a lot to stay fit.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, forma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
