How to Say “Stay Grounded” in Spanish

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mantén los pies en la tierra
/manten los pjes en la tjera/from spelling rules
To say stay grounded in Spanish, you use mantén los pies en la tierra.
This phrase is used to encourage someone to remain humble and practical, particularly after they have achieved success or fame. While the common command is to keep one's feet on the ground, you can also use tener los pies en la tierra to describe someone who is a grounded person.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase mantén los pies en la tierra literally translates to 'keep the feet on the earth'.

Which one should you use?

The forms vary based on the person you are addressing and the level of formality. Use mantén los pies en la tierra for an informal command, while mantenga los pies en la tierra is used for a polite or formal command. To express the concept as a general principle or the subject of a sentence, use the infinitive mantener los pies en la tierra. If you want to describe someone's character rather than giving an order, use tener los pies en la tierra.

How does it change in a sentence?

The form mantén in mantén los pies en la tierra is the informal singular imperative (tú) of the verb mantener. To make the command polite or formal, use mantenga instead of mantén.

Did you know?

  • The word tierra shares an ancient root with the English word 'dry', coming from the Proto-Indo-European root *ters-.
  • In Spanish, the concept of being 'grounded' can also be expressed through the word centrado. While pies en la tierra focuses on humility, centrado describes someone who is mentally balanced and focused.
  • In Spanish, referring to one's hometown or native region as mi tierra uses the same word for 'earth' found in this phrase.

Examples in context

  • Aunque seas famoso, mantén los pies en la tierra.
    Even if you become famous, stay grounded.
  • Mantén los pies en la tierra tras tu éxito.
    Stay grounded after your success.

Example conversation

Alejandro gives Sofía advice after her big promotion.

  1. Alejandro

    Felicidades por el nuevo puesto, Sofía.
    Congratulations on the new position, Sofia.
  2. Sofía

    Gracias, Alejandro, estoy muy emocionada.
    Thank you, Alejandro, I am very excited.
  3. Alejandro

    Disfruta el éxito, pero mantén los pies en la tierra.
    Enjoy the success, but stay grounded.
  4. Sofía

    Tienes razón, no olvidaré mis raíces.
    You are right, I won't forget my roots.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, la, los, tierra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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John Daryl
John DarylHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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