How to Say “Support” in Spanish

Ways to say it

The verb apoyar is used to express backing a cause, a person or an idea, whether through mental agreement or concrete aid. When you need a noun to describe the act of providing support, you can use apoyo, which is a common and general term. If the support refers to the resolution of problems, you might use apoyo or respaldo. For financial or other types of help, the nouns apoyo, apoyatura or manutención are used. In a technical or customer service context, the word soporte is often used for support. For urgent, emergency assistance, use auxilio.

Which one should you use?

While apoyar is used for supporting an idea, a person or a cause, sostener is more commonly used when referring to physically holding something up or maintaining a specific position or argument. For formal backing or endorsement, such as in professional or political contexts, use the noun respaldo.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

The term acuerpar is a colloquial way to say you are backing someone up or supporting them. For a common and general way to express support, use apoyo.

Related words

Answers and resolution of problems (noun): apoyo, respaldo.

Financial or other help (noun): apoyo, apoyatura, manutención.

How does it change in a sentence?

apoyar is a regular -ar verb in the present tense.

How do you pronounce it?

/apoˈʝaɾ/

When do people say it?

To convey support metaphorically in an informal way, you can use the expression estar al lado de, which literally means to be by someone's side.