mantener
Lemma Details
Translation: to maintain; to keep; to support; to sustain; to hold; to preserve
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'manu tenere' meaning 'to hold in the hand', composed of 'manus' (hand) and 'tenere' (to hold). This shares the same Latin root as English words like 'maintain', 'manual', and 'tenure'. The connection to physical holding evolved to include more abstract concepts of supporting, preserving, and continuing.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Es importante mantener una dieta equilibrada.
It's important to maintain a balanced diet.
Necesitamos mantener la casa limpia.
We need to keep the house clean.
Él mantiene a su familia con su trabajo.
He supports his family with his work.
Mantén la calma en situaciones difíciles.
Keep calm in difficult situations.
La empresa ha mantenido su posición en el mercado.
The company has maintained its position in the market.
Mnemonics
- Think 'main-tener' where 'main' sounds like 'maintain' and 'tener' means 'to have' in Spanish.
- Remember 'manu' (hand) + 'tener' (to hold) = 'to hold in hand' or maintain control over something.
- Similar to English 'maintain' but with Spanish pronunciation.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'mantener' often carries connotations of responsibility, especially in contexts of family support ('mantener a la familia'). It's a fundamental verb used in many aspects of daily life, from maintaining physical objects to sustaining relationships and supporting dependents.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'mantener' means 'to maintain or keep', 'contener' means 'to contain or hold inside'. Both share the root 'tener' (to have/hold) but with different prefixes and meanings.
Notes: Both verbs are irregular and follow similar conjugation patterns.
Mnemonic: 'Mantener' starts with 'man' like 'manual' (hand) - you actively keep something with your hands; 'contener' starts with 'con' like 'container' - something is held inside.
Explanation: 'Mantener' means to keep or maintain something you already have, while 'obtener' means to get or obtain something new.
Confused word:
Espero obtener buenos resultados en el examen.
I hope to obtain good results on the exam.
Notes: Both verbs end in '-tener' and are irregular in similar ways.
Mnemonic: 'Mantener' = 'main-tain'; 'obtener' = 'ob-tain' (get).