What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mantente fuerte is composed of the imperative verb mantén (keep/maintain), the reflexive pronoun te (yourself) and the adjective fuerte (strong).
Which one should you use?
While mantente fuerte implies maintaining a state of strength already possessed, sé fuerte (be strong) is a more direct command to adopt a strong character or attitude.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression No aflojes is primarily used in Argentina and Uruguay and translates to 'don't loosen up'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form mantente fuerte uses the informal tú imperative, making it appropriate for friends, family or peers. To use the phrase with someone you address formally (using usted), you must change the form to manténgase fuerte. When addressing a group of people, the phrase changes to manténganse fuertes (for ustedes) or manteneos fuertes (for vosotros in Spain).
How do you pronounce it?
/mantente fweɾte/
Did you know?
- The adjective fuerte can also describe a person's character or a person's scent, so saying someone is 'fuerte' could mean they are emotionally resilient or simply that they smell very strong.
- The word fuerte shares the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root as the English word 'fort', both stemming from a concept of a 'high place' or 'stronghold'.
- While 'stay strong' is a common sentiment in English, a Spanish speaker might instead use the idiom echarle ganas to encourage someone to keep trying hard through a struggle.
Examples in context
- Mantente fuerte.Stay strong.This example shows how to use mantente fuerte.Tatoeba #10202984 by Seael, translation #5675587 by Hybrid
- Manténgase fuerte frente a los desafíos que enfrentamos actualmenteStay strong in the face of the challenges we are currently experiencing
- No pierda el ánimo, estamos aquí para apoyarloDon't lose courage, we are here to support you
- Mantente fuerte, sabes que puedes superarloStay strong, you know you can overcome this
- ¡Ánimo, no te rindas! Siempre estaremos aquí para tiCheer up, don't give up! We will always be here for you
- Mantente fuerte durante este proceso.Stay strong during this process.
- Sé que es difícil, pero mantente fuerte.I know it is difficult, but stay strong.
Example conversation
Javier is comforting María after she received bad news.
- JavierLo siento mucho, María.I am so sorry, María.
- MaríaGracias, Javier, es un momento muy duro.Thank you, Javier, it is a very hard time.
- JavierPor favor, mantente fuerte.Please, stay strong.
- MaríaHaré todo lo posible.I will do my best.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fuerte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
