tolerar
/toleˈɾaɾ/
To tolerate in Spanish is tolerar.
The verb tolerar means to bear or withstand.
Meaning: to bear, withstand (verb)
Which one should you use?
While tolerar is often used in formal or official contexts (like 'tolerating a behavior'), the verb aguantar is much more common in everyday spoken Spanish to mean 'to put up with' or 'to endure' something annoying.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term bancar is an informal term used in some Latin American countries, such as Argentina and Uruguay, meaning 'to tolerate' or 'to put up with.'
How does it change in a sentence?
Tolerar is a regular -ar verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/toleˈɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you say you 'no aguantas más', it could mean you cannot tolerate a situation, but it can also mean you cannot hold your urine any longer.
- In Argentina, you can use the slang bancar to say you 'tolerate' someone, but this same word is also used to mean you are 'cheering for' a sports team.
- In Argentina and Uruguay, the slang bancar comes from the word for 'bank' banco, suggesting that putting up with someone is like providing them with financial or emotional support.
Examples in context
- No voy a tolerarlo.I will not tolerate this.This sentence shows how to use tolerar in a negative future construction.Tatoeba #4556662 by swyter, translation #4555891 by crbk92
- No toleraré ningún error.I won't tolerate any mistakes.This sentence demonstrates the use of tolerar regarding errors.Tatoeba #2987817 by hayastan, translation #2276483 by CK
- Tom no va a tolerar esto.Tom isn't going to tolerate this.This sentence uses tolerar to describe someone's refusal to put up with a situation.Tatoeba #4127127 by hayastan, translation #3448881 by CK
- No puedo aguantar las críticas constantes de mi jefe.I cannot tolerate constant criticism from my boss.
- Tenemos que aguantar las dificultades y seguir adelante.We have to endure the hardships and move forward.
- Debemos aprender a tolerar las diferencias culturales.We must learn to tolerate cultural differences.
- Es importante que los líderes políticos toleren opiniones opuestas.It is important that political leaders tolerate opposing viewpoints.
- No puedo soportar las actitudes discriminatorias.I cannot tolerate discriminatory attitudes.
- Nuestro objetivo es construir una sociedad que soporte la diversidad.Our goal is to build a society that tolerates diversity.
- No aguanto a mi vecino ruidoso.I can't stand my noisy neighbor.
- Aguanta un poco más, vamos llegando.Hang on a bit longer, we're almost there.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are discussing a loud neighbor.
- ElenaNo puedo tolerar tanto ruido.I cannot tolerate so much noise.
- AlejandroTienes que tolerar un poco más.You have to tolerate a little more.
- ElenaEs muy difícil para mí.It is very difficult for me.
- AlejandroLo entiendo, Elena.I understand, Elena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tolerar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
