sustentar in 30 Sekunden
- Sustentar is a formal Spanish verb meaning to support, uphold, or provide for.
- It is primarily used for intellectual arguments (B1+) and economic provision.
- It differs from 'apoyar' by being more foundational and formal.
- The reflexive form 'sustentarse en' means 'to be based on'.
The Spanish verb sustentar is a sophisticated and multifaceted term primarily used to describe the act of providing a firm foundation, whether physical, intellectual, or economic. At its core, the word implies a sense of stability and endurance. While in English we might simply say 'to support,' sustentar carries a weight of formal validation and structural integrity that is essential for academic, legal, and formal discourse. When you sustentar something, you are not just holding it up; you are proving its validity or ensuring its continued existence through rigorous means.
- Intellectual Support
- In academic and professional settings, this is the most common usage. It refers to the act of providing evidence, data, or logical reasoning to uphold a theory, an argument, or a hypothesis. It is the bridge between a mere opinion and a verified fact.
- Economic Provision
- In a domestic or social context, it refers to providing the necessary means (food, money, housing) for someone's survival. A parent 'sustenta' their children by ensuring their basic needs are met.
- Physical Foundation
- Though less common than 'sostener' in modern everyday speech, it can describe physical structures that keep something from falling, like pillars supporting a roof.
Es fundamental presentar pruebas sólidas para sustentar tu acusación ante el juez.
Understanding the nuance of sustentar requires looking at its Latin roots, sustinere, which means 'to hold up from below.' This imagery is perfect for understanding why we use it for arguments. Imagine your conclusion is a heavy platform; the data you provide are the pillars that sustentan that platform. Without those pillars, the argument collapses. This makes the word indispensable for anyone looking to reach a B1 level or higher in Spanish, as it allows for more precise communication in debates and essays.
La teoría de la relatividad se sustenta en observaciones astronómicas precisas.
In many Spanish-speaking countries, the legal system uses this word frequently. A lawyer must 'sustentar su defensa' (uphold their defense). In journalism, a reporter must 'sustentar su noticia' (back up their news story) with reliable sources. It is a word about accountability and the strength of one's claims.
No podemos sustentar este estilo de vida por mucho más tiempo.
- Register and Tone
- High-level, professional, and serious. It is rarely used in casual slang but is ubiquitous in news, textbooks, and business meetings.
Los pilares de piedra sustentan el peso de la catedral.
Using sustentar correctly involves understanding its transitive nature—it usually requires an object that is being supported. It functions seamlessly in both active and passive voices, making it a versatile tool for various writing styles. In this section, we will explore the syntactic patterns that define its usage across different contexts.
- Pattern 1: [Subject] + sustentar + [Argument/Theory]
- This is the quintessential academic usage. The subject is usually a person (researcher, author) or a piece of evidence. Example: 'El autor sustenta su tesis con estadísticas recientes.'
- Pattern 2: [Subject] + sustentar + [Person/Family]
- This describes economic support. Example: 'Ella trabaja en dos sitios para sustentar a su familia.'
¿Cómo piensas sustentar esa afirmación tan arriesgada?
One of the most powerful ways to use sustentar is in the pronominal form sustentarse, followed by the preposition en. This shifts the focus to the foundation itself. It describes what something relies on to exist or be true. For example: 'La democracia se sustenta en el respeto a las leyes.' This structure is vital for expressing complex social and philosophical ideas.
El informe se sustenta en datos recopilados durante diez años.
In a more biological sense, sustentar is used to describe how life is maintained. Scientists might discuss how an ecosystem sustenta various species. This highlights the word's connection to 'sustenance' in English. It implies providing the life-blood or the essential nutrients required for survival.
Es difícil sustentar la vida en condiciones tan extremas.
- Negative Usage
- When an argument lacks evidence, we say it 'no se sustenta'. This is a common way to dismiss weak logic in a debate. 'Tu argumento no se sustenta por ninguna parte' (Your argument doesn't hold up anywhere).
La empresa no pudo sustentar sus pérdidas económicas.
While you might not hear sustentar while ordering a coffee, you will encounter it constantly if you engage with Spanish-language media, literature, or professional environments. It is a 'prestige' word that signals a higher level of education and precision in thought. Understanding where it appears will help you recognize the context and intent of the speaker.
In the world of Journalism and News, anchors and reporters use sustentar to discuss government policies or legal cases. You might hear: 'El ministro no ha podido sustentar el aumento de impuestos,' meaning the minister hasn't been able to justify or provide a basis for the tax hike. It is used to hold public figures accountable for the logic behind their decisions.
Los científicos buscan sustentar sus hallazgos con nuevas pruebas de laboratorio.
In Academic Lectures, professors use it when discussing theories. A history professor might explain how a certain social movement se sustenta en (is based on) the economic conditions of the time. For students, being able to use this word in an essay is a 'cheat code' for sounding more like a native speaker of high proficiency.
Esa ideología se sustenta en principios de igualdad y justicia.
In Legal Settings, lawyers 'sustentan' their claims. In a courtroom, every motion filed must be 'sustentada' by law. If a judge says an argument is 'insustentable,' it means it has no legal basis and will be thrown out. This legalistic flavor is part of why the word feels so firm and authoritative.
Finally, in Business and Economics, you will see it in annual reports and strategic plans. Companies discuss how they will sustentar el crecimiento (sustain growth) over the next decade. Here, it blends the meanings of 'maintaining' and 'providing a foundation for'. It's about long-term viability.
El plan de negocios se sustenta en un análisis de mercado exhaustivo.
Even advanced learners can stumble when using sustentar. Because it has several close synonyms in Spanish and English, it's easy to misapply it in contexts where another word would be more natural. Let's break down the most common pitfalls so you can avoid them.
- Mistake 1: Using it for physical holding
- Learners often use 'sustentar' when they mean they are holding something in their hand. If you are holding an umbrella, use 'sostener'. 'Sustentar' is for structural or foundational support. You wouldn't say 'sustento mi paraguas' unless the umbrella was a metaphorical foundation for your life.
- Mistake 2: Confusing it with 'Sostener' in arguments
- While they can be synonyms, 'sostener' often means to maintain a position ('I maintain that he is innocent'), whereas 'sustentar' specifically refers to the evidence that makes that position valid. 'Sostener' is the claim; 'sustentar' is the proof.
Incorrect: Sustento mi teléfono con la mano.
Correct: Sostengo mi teléfono con la mano.
Another error is forgetting the preposition en when using the reflexive form sustentarse. You cannot say 'La teoría se sustenta datos'; you must say 'La teoría se sustenta en datos'. This preposition is the link between the subject and its foundation.
No puedes sustentar una mentira por mucho tiempo.
Finally, be careful with the register. Using sustentar in a very casual conversation with friends might sound a bit 'stiff' or overly formal. If you're just saying you support a friend's decision to go to the beach, 'apoyar' is much better. Reserve sustentar for when there is a 'why' that needs to be proven or a 'how' that needs to be funded.
Spanish is rich with verbs that cover the concept of 'support.' Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about emotions, physics, logic, or money. Here is a comparison of sustentar and its closest relatives.
- Apoyar
- The most general term. It can mean emotional support ('Te apoyo'), physical leaning ('Apoyar la espalda'), or general agreement. It lacks the 'foundational' weight of sustentar.
- Sostener
- Primarily physical holding or maintaining a state. It is the best choice for 'holding a baby' or 'holding a conversation.' In arguments, it focuses on the act of claiming rather than the proof.
- Mantener
- To keep something in a certain state or to provide for someone. While similar to the 'economic' sense of sustentar, 'mantener' is more common for monthly bills and routine upkeep.
- Respaldar
- To back someone up, like a 'backup' or an endorsement. A famous person might 'respaldar' a political candidate. It's about putting your reputation behind something.
Mientras que 'apoyar' es dar ayuda, sustentar es dar la base necesaria para que algo no caiga.
In a technical context, you might also see cimentar (to cement or lay the foundation) or corroborar (to corroborate). If you are writing a paper, varying your use of these verbs will make your Spanish sound more sophisticated. For example, you might 'sustentar' your main thesis but 'corroborar' a specific piece of evidence with a quote.
El éxito de la empresa se sustenta en la innovación constante.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The word is a direct cousin of the English 'sustain'. While English uses 'sustain' for suffering ('sustain an injury'), Spanish 'sustentar' never took on that meaning, staying strictly in the realm of support and nourishment.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the 'u' like the English 'u' in 'use'. It should be a pure 'oo' sound.
- Stressing the second syllable instead of the last.
- Failing to roll the final 'r' slightly.
- Making the 't' sound like a 'th'.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Common in news and books, but requires knowledge of formal contexts.
Using it correctly instead of 'apoyar' requires a good grasp of nuance.
Not used in daily slang, so it can feel 'heavy' if used incorrectly in casual speech.
Easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'sustain'.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Conjugation of Regular -AR Verbs
Yo sustento, Tú sustentas, Él sustenta...
Use of 'Se' for Passive Voice / Impersonal
Se sustenta la teoría con datos (The theory is supported with data).
Prepositional Verbs (sustentarse en)
Mi argumento se sustenta EN hechos, no en rumores.
Subjunctive with Negative Antecedents
No hay nada que sustente esa mentira.
Direct Object Pronouns
Él tiene una familia y la sustenta con su sueldo.
Beispiele nach Niveau
El padre sustenta a su familia.
The father provides for his family.
Present tense, third person singular of 'sustentar'.
La base sustenta la estatua.
The base supports the statue.
Simple subject-verb-object structure.
Ellos sustentan la casa con su trabajo.
They support the house with their work.
Use of 'sustentar' for economic support.
El agua sustenta la vida.
Water sustains life.
Generic subject 'el agua' with a regular verb.
Tú sustentas a tus hermanos.
You provide for your siblings.
Second person singular.
Nosotros sustentamos el proyecto.
We support the project.
First person plural.
La tierra sustenta a las plantas.
The earth sustains the plants.
Direct object 'las plantas' preceded by 'a'.
Ella sustenta su vida con arte.
She sustains her life with art.
Verb + direct object + prepositional phrase.
Esas columnas sustentan el peso del techo.
Those columns support the weight of the roof.
Physical support context.
La comida nos sustenta cada día.
Food sustains us every day.
Use of the direct object pronoun 'nos'.
Él sustenta su opinión con un libro.
He supports his opinion with a book.
Intro to intellectual support.
No podemos sustentar este gasto.
We cannot sustain this expense.
Infinitive after 'poder'.
La red sustenta la comunicación.
The network sustains communication.
Metaphorical support.
Ustedes sustentan la economía local.
You all support the local economy.
Second person plural formal.
El puente se sustenta en cables fuertes.
The bridge is supported by strong cables.
Reflexive form 'se sustenta'.
Ella quiere sustentar sus sueños.
She wants to sustain her dreams.
Infinitive used as a goal.
Debes sustentar tu tesis con datos reales.
You must support your thesis with real data.
Formal academic advice.
La teoría se sustenta en estudios previos.
The theory is based on previous studies.
Reflexive 'se sustenta' + 'en'.
Es difícil sustentar un argumento sin pruebas.
It is difficult to uphold an argument without proof.
Impersonal 'es difícil' + infinitive.
El gobierno busca sustentar el crecimiento.
The government seeks to sustain growth.
Economic context.
Su fe lo sustenta en momentos difíciles.
His faith sustains him in difficult moments.
Spiritual/emotional support.
No hay evidencias que sustenten esa idea.
There is no evidence that supports that idea.
Subjunctive 'sustenten' after a negative relative clause.
Ella sustentó su discurso con ejemplos claros.
She supported her speech with clear examples.
Preterite (past) tense.
El sistema se sustenta por sí mismo.
The system sustains itself.
Reflexive with 'por sí mismo'.
El abogado no pudo sustentar la inocencia de su cliente.
The lawyer could not uphold his client's innocence.
Legal context, modal verb 'poder'.
Nuestra cultura se sustenta en tradiciones ancestrales.
Our culture is supported by ancestral traditions.
Sociological context.
Es necesario sustentar el desarrollo sustentable.
It is necessary to support sustainable development.
Repetition of the root for emphasis.
El autor sustenta que el cambio es inevitable.
The author maintains that change is inevitable.
Sustentar + 'que' clause.
Las pruebas de ADN sustentan el veredicto.
The DNA tests uphold the verdict.
Scientific validation.
Si no sustentas tus palabras, nadie te creerá.
If you don't back up your words, nobody will believe you.
Conditional sentence.
El andamiaje sustenta la estructura del edificio.
The scaffolding supports the building's structure.
Technical physical support.
La paz se sustenta en el diálogo constante.
Peace is based on constant dialogue.
Abstract foundational support.
La legitimidad del régimen se sustenta en el miedo.
The legitimacy of the regime is based on fear.
Political science context.
Resulta imperativo sustentar las políticas públicas con rigor científico.
It is imperative to support public policies with scientific rigor.
Formal academic/administrative register.
El marco teórico sustenta toda la investigación posterior.
The theoretical framework supports all subsequent research.
Research terminology.
No es posible sustentar una economía basada solo en el consumo.
It is not possible to sustain an economy based only on consumption.
Economic theory discussion.
Su argumentación carece de bases que la sustenten.
His argument lacks bases that support it.
Subjunctive in a relative clause with a negative antecedent.
La justicia debe sustentar sus fallos en la ley, no en la emoción.
Justice must base its rulings on the law, not on emotion.
Legal ethics context.
El filósofo sustenta que el ser es una construcción social.
The philosopher maintains that the being is a social construction.
Philosophical claim.
La biodiversidad sustenta los servicios ecosistémicos esenciales.
Biodiversity sustains essential ecosystem services.
Environmental science context.
La ontología heideggeriana se sustenta en una crítica a la metafísica tradicional.
Heideggerian ontology is based on a critique of traditional metaphysics.
Highly specialized academic register.
Sustentar la carga de la prueba recae sobre la parte demandante.
Upholding the burden of proof falls upon the plaintiff.
Specific legal terminology (onus probandi).
El andamiaje conceptual sobre el que se sustenta la obra es de una complejidad inusitada.
The conceptual scaffolding upon which the work is based is of unusual complexity.
Literary criticism.
La viabilidad del proyecto se sustenta en una amalgama de fondos públicos y privados.
The project's viability is based on an amalgam of public and private funds.
Financial/Administrative nuance.
Resulta falaz pretender sustentar una verdad absoluta en premisas tan endebles.
It is fallacious to try to uphold an absolute truth on such flimsy premises.
Formal logic/Rhetoric.
El tejido social se sustenta en la confianza mutua entre los ciudadanos.
The social fabric is supported by mutual trust between citizens.
Sociological metaphor.
La dialéctica empleada busca sustentar la síntesis final del ensayo.
The dialectic employed seeks to support the final synthesis of the essay.
Advanced writing style.
Aquel que no puede sustentar sus actos con su ética, no merece el poder.
He who cannot back his actions with his ethics does not deserve power.
Moral philosophy.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— To maintain eye contact without looking away. It implies strength or defiance.
Él pudo sustentar la mirada del general.
— To keep up a certain speed or pace over time.
Es difícil sustentar el ritmo de trabajo actual.
— To keep hope alive through effort or belief.
Sus palabras ayudaron a sustentar la esperanza del pueblo.
— To hold or justify a position or job title.
Debe sustentar su cargo con buenos resultados.
— To keep up a lie by adding more false details.
Ya no podía sustentar la mentira por más tiempo.
— To act in a way that maintains one's reputation.
Luchó para sustentar el honor de su apellido.
— To provide the essential foundation for something.
Estos valores sustentan la base de nuestra empresa.
— To keep a conversation or negotiation going.
Ambas partes quieren sustentar el diálogo de paz.
— To have reasons or evidence that justify being doubtful.
Hay motivos para sustentar una duda razonable.
— To keep trying or working hard over a long period.
Necesitamos motivación para sustentar el esfuerzo.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Sostener is usually physical holding; Sustentar is foundational support.
Soportar means 'to tolerate' or 'to bear weight'; it doesn't mean to provide proof.
Mantener is for routine upkeep; Sustentar is for the essential basis of existence.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To have no basis or foundation; to be completely invalid.
Esa teoría no tiene donde sustentarse.
Formal— To attempt something impossible or to bear an immense burden.
Parece que ella sustenta el cielo con sus problemas.
Literary— To live without a visible means of support (opposite of sustentar).
No puedes vivir del aire, necesitas un trabajo que te sustente.
Informal— To keep one's promise or back up what one said with actions.
Él siempre sustenta su palabra con hechos.
Neutral— To be based on nothing; to be a groundless rumor.
Tus chismes se sustentan en el aire.
Informal— To keep a fire or a light burning (often metaphorical for a cause).
Ellos sustentan la vela de la libertad.
Literary— To keep a legal battle or a fight going.
No tiene sentido sustentar el pleito por diez euros.
Neutral— To keep up a deceptive act or charade.
Tuvieron que sustentar la farsa durante meses.
Neutral— To maintain one's dignity or composure in a difficult situation (common in Spain).
A pesar de los insultos, él sustentó el tipo.
Informal— To live on hopes and dreams rather than reality.
No puedes sustentarte de sueños para siempre.
LiteraryLeicht verwechselbar
Both translate to 'support' or 'hold'.
Sostener is more about the act of holding something up so it doesn't fall right now. Sustentar is about providing the underlying reason or means for it to exist permanently.
Sostengo el paraguas (physical) vs Sustento mi tesis (intellectual).
Both mean 'to support'.
Apoyar is a broad term for helping or agreeing. Sustentar is a specific, formal term for proving or providing a foundation.
Apoyo a mi amigo (emotional) vs Sustento mi argumento (logical).
Sounds like 'support'.
Soportar usually means to tolerate someone annoying or to physically bear a load. It is rarely used for 'supporting an argument'.
No soporto el ruido (tolerate) vs Sustento mi idea (uphold).
Both relate to providing for a family.
Mantener is the everyday word for paying bills. Sustentar is a more formal, almost biological or legal term for provision.
Mantengo mi coche (upkeep) vs Sustento a mis hijos (provision).
Both mean 'to base on'.
Basar is neutral and very common. Sustentar is more formal and implies the support is active and necessary for the thing to stand.
Baso mi libro en un viaje vs Mi teoría se sustenta en la física.
Satzmuster
Sustentar + [Object]
Él sustenta a su gato.
Sustentar + [Idea] + con + [Proof]
Sustento mi queja con este recibo.
[Idea] + se sustenta en + [Foundation]
La casa se sustenta en una roca.
No poder + sustentar + [Claim]
No puedes sustentar esa acusación.
Sustentar + que + [Clause]
La ciencia sustenta que la tierra es redonda.
[Abstract Subject] + sustenta + [System]
La confianza sustenta el mercado financiero.
Base + que + sustenta + [Something]
Esta es la base que sustenta nuestra democracia.
Sustentar + el peso de + [Metaphor]
Ella sustenta el peso de toda la organización.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Medium-High (Common in formal writing, less so in casual speech).
-
Using 'sustentar' for emotional support.
→
Apoyar.
You don't 'sustentar' a friend who is sad; you 'apoyar' them. 'Sustentar' is too cold and structural for emotions.
-
Confusing 'sustentar' with 'sustain' an injury.
→
Sufrir una lesión.
English uses 'sustain' for injuries, but Spanish 'sustentar' only means to support or provide. It never means to experience something negative.
-
Omitting the 'a' for people.
→
Sustenta a su familia.
When the object of 'sustentar' is a human or a pet, you must use the personal 'a'.
-
Using 'sustentar' for holding a physical object in your hand.
→
Sostener.
If you are physically gripping something, use 'sostener'. 'Sustentar' is for large-scale structural support.
-
Saying 'sustentarse de hechos' instead of 'en hechos'.
→
Sustentarse en hechos.
The correct preposition for 'to be based on' with this verb is 'en'.
Tipps
Boost Your Essay Score
When writing in Spanish, replace 'decir que mi idea es verdad' with 'sustentar mi posición'. It immediately elevates your writing level to B2/C1.
Master the Reflexive
Remember 'sustentarse EN'. Without the 'en', the sentence usually won't make sense when describing what an idea is based on.
Stress the End
Spanish verbs in the infinitive always stress the last syllable. Say it out loud: sus-ten-TAR. This helps you sound more native.
Legal Logic
Think of a lawyer in a movie. They don't just 'say' things; they 'sustentan' their claims. Use this mental image to remember the word's formality.
Sustentar vs. Soportar
Never use 'sustentar' for 'I can't stand him'. Use 'no lo soporto'. 'Sustentar' is for building up, 'soportar' is for bearing a burden.
The Pillar Rule
Every time you see a pillar, think 'sustentar'. Pillars are the physical version of the logical facts you use in an argument.
Use with 'Datos'
'Sustentar' and 'datos' (data) are best friends. They appear together in almost every scientific or business report.
Regional Nuance
In Latin America, you'll hear 'sustentable' for eco-friendly products. In Spain, you'll hear 'sostenible'. Both come from the same root concepts.
Academic Cues
When a professor says 'Para sustentar esto...', get ready to take notes—they are about to give the most important evidence for their lecture.
Debate Strategy
Use '¿Cómo sustentas esa afirmación?' to challenge someone politely but firmly in a formal discussion.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine a 'SUS-pended' bridge. The pillars 'TEN-tar' (try) to hold it up. SUS-TEN-TAR.
Visuelle Assoziation
Visualize an ancient Greek temple. The pillars are labeled with 'Evidence' and they 'sustentan' the roof labeled 'Truth'.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to write three sentences: one about a building, one about a family, and one about a political opinion using 'sustentar'.
Wortherkunft
Derived from the Latin 'sustinere', which is composed of 'sub-' (below) and 'tenere' (to hold). It literally means 'to hold from below'.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To hold up, to support, to endure, to withstand.
Romance (Latin)Kultureller Kontext
No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'sustentar' in a family context can sometimes imply a traditional gender dynamic (the provider), though it is now used neutrally for anyone who earns the family income.
English speakers often over-rely on 'support' (apoyar). Learning 'sustentar' helps distinguish between 'I support my team' (apoyo) and 'I support my claim' (sustento).
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
University / Academic Writing
- Sustentar una tesis
- Sustentar con bibliografía
- Marco sustentador
- Sustentarse en la teoría
Legal / Courtroom
- Sustentar la demanda
- Sustentar el recurso
- Pruebas que sustentan
- Fallo bien sustentado
Family / Personal Finance
- Sustento familiar
- Sustentar a los padres
- Medios para sustentar
- Obligación de sustentar
Science / Nature
- Sustentar el ecosistema
- Sustentar la vida
- Sustentabilidad ambiental
- Base que sustenta
Architecture / Engineering
- Sustentar la estructura
- Pilar que sustenta
- Sustentar el peso
- Capacidad de sustentar
Gesprächseinstiege
"¿En qué evidencias te basas para sustentar esa opinión sobre el cambio climático?"
"¿Crees que es posible sustentar una familia con un solo salario hoy en día?"
"¿Cómo podemos sustentar el crecimiento de nuestra ciudad sin dañar el medio ambiente?"
"En un debate, ¿cuál es la mejor forma de sustentar un argumento difícil?"
"¿Qué valores crees que sustentan a nuestra sociedad actual?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Escribe sobre una creencia personal que tengas y trata de sustentar por qué es importante para ti.
Describe un proyecto en el que hayas trabajado y explica qué datos usaste para sustentar tus decisiones.
Reflexiona sobre quién te sustentó emocional o económicamente durante tu infancia.
Imagina que eres un arquitecto; describe cómo planeas sustentar un edificio en un terreno difícil.
Analiza un artículo de noticias reciente y evalúa si el autor logró sustentar sus afirmaciones adecuadamente.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot usually. In a café or with friends, you would use 'apoyar' or 'mantener'. You'll hear 'sustentar' on the news, in university, or in a courtroom. Using it in casual speech makes you sound very formal or intellectual.
No. That is a common mistake for English speakers. To tolerate, use 'soportar' or 'tolerar'. 'Sustentar' is always about providing a positive foundation or support.
In many contexts, they are synonyms for 'sustainable'. However, 'sostenible' is more common in Spain for environmental issues, while 'sustentable' is very common in Latin America. Technically, 'sustentable' implies something that can be defended with logic, while 'sostenible' is something that can be maintained over time.
It is a regular verb. Preterite: yo sustenté, tú sustentaste, él sustentó, nosotros sustentamos, vosotros sustentasteis, ellos sustentaron.
Yes, but it's formal. You might say 'Los cimientos sustentan el edificio' (The foundations support the building). In daily life, you'd just say 'aguantar' or 'sostener'.
Yes, because of the 'personal a' rule in Spanish. Example: 'Él sustenta A su familia'.
The most common noun is 'sustento', which means 'livelihood' or 'food/nourishment'. 'Sustentación' is used for the act of supporting or defending a thesis.
Yes, it is a high-frequency word for the argumentative essay section of the AP or DELE exams, as it allows you to describe how you are backing up your claims.
Yes, it is correct in engineering or formal descriptions of physics to describe a structure holding a load.
The best word is 'refutar' (to refute) or 'desmentir' (to debunk).
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
Write a sentence about a scientist supporting a theory using 'sustentar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about pillars supporting a bridge.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'How do you support your family?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain why 'sustentar' is better than 'apoyar' in an essay.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'sustentarse en' in a sentence about democracy.
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Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about a lawyer in court using 'sustentar'.
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Translate: 'Your argument does not hold up.'
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Write a sentence about what sustains life on earth.
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Describe a 'sustentación de tesis' in one sentence.
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Use the word 'insustentable' in a business context.
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Translate: 'We must sustain economic growth.'
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Write a sentence using 'sustentar' in the preterite tense.
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Explain the difference between 'sustentar' and 'sostener' briefly.
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Translate: 'There is no proof to support that.'
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Write a sentence about a father providing for his kids.
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Use 'sustentar' in a question about a news story.
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Write a sentence about an ideology.
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Translate: 'Pillars support the weight of the building.'
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Write a sentence using 'sustentar' in the subjunctive.
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Translate: 'He sustains his life through music.'
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Pronounce: 'Sustentar'.
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Pronounce: 'Sustentable'.
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Say: 'I support my family.'
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Say: 'The theory is based on data.'
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Say: 'You must support your argument.'
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Pronounce the past tense: 'Sustentó'.
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Say: 'It is unsustainable.'
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Say: 'The pillars support the roof.'
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Explain 'sustentar' in Spanish in 10 words.
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Say: 'We need to sustain growth.'
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Pronounce: 'Sustentación'.
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Say: 'How do you support that claim?'
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Say: 'The report is well-supported.'
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Say: 'Water sustains life.'
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Say: 'I maintain my position.' (using sustentar)
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Say: 'There is no proof to support it.'
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Say: 'It's a sustainable model.'
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Say: 'He provides for his parents.'
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Say: 'The logic is solid.' (using sustentar)
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Say: 'We must uphold the truth.'
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Listen and write: 'El abogado sustenta la defensa.'
Listen and write: 'La vida se sustenta en el sol.'
Listen and write: 'Es un argumento insustentable.'
Listen and write: '¿Cómo sustentas tu tesis?'
Listen and write: 'Los pilares sustentan el peso.'
Listen and write: 'Sustentamos el proyecto con fondos.'
Listen and write: 'No se sustenta la mentira.'
Listen and write: 'Ella sustenta a su familia solo.'
Listen and write: 'La base sustenta la estructura.'
Listen and write: 'Debes sustentar tus palabras.'
Listen and write: 'El fiscal sustentó los cargos.'
Listen and write: 'Es un plan sustentable.'
Listen and write: 'La fe sustenta al creyente.'
Listen and write: 'Sustentamos la mirada.'
Listen and write: 'No hay pruebas que lo sustenten.'
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'sustentar' is your go-to verb for academic and formal contexts when you need to prove why something is true. Example: 'Debes sustentar tus ideas con hechos' (You must support your ideas with facts).
- Sustentar is a formal Spanish verb meaning to support, uphold, or provide for.
- It is primarily used for intellectual arguments (B1+) and economic provision.
- It differs from 'apoyar' by being more foundational and formal.
- The reflexive form 'sustentarse en' means 'to be based on'.
Boost Your Essay Score
When writing in Spanish, replace 'decir que mi idea es verdad' with 'sustentar mi posición'. It immediately elevates your writing level to B2/C1.
Master the Reflexive
Remember 'sustentarse EN'. Without the 'en', the sentence usually won't make sense when describing what an idea is based on.
Stress the End
Spanish verbs in the infinitive always stress the last syllable. Say it out loud: sus-ten-TAR. This helps you sound more native.
Legal Logic
Think of a lawyer in a movie. They don't just 'say' things; they 'sustentan' their claims. Use this mental image to remember the word's formality.
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a mi parecer
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abstracción
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B1Abstrakte Kunst gefällt mir sehr gut.
abstracto/a
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abstraer
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académicamente
B2In akademischer Hinsicht; bezogen auf die schulische oder universitäre Leistung. Beispiel: Er ist akademisch sehr erfolgreich.
