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B2 verb 9 min de lecture

sostenere

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces sostenere en 30 secondes

Explication sostenere in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'sostenere' is quite advanced, but you might encounter it in its simplest emotional form. Think of it as 'to help' or 'to be there for someone'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex academic meanings. You might hear a teacher say 'Io vi sostengo' (I support you) to encourage students. The most important thing for an A1 learner is to recognize that it is a verb about 'holding' or 'helping'. You should focus on the present tense 'io sostengo' and 'tu sostieni'. It's helpful to associate it with the physical act of holding a heavy bag, even though you will likely use simpler words like 'portare' (to carry) or 'aiutare' (to help) in your own speaking. Just remember: 'sostenere' is a 'strong' word for helping someone stay upright, either physically or emotionally.

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At the A2 level, you begin to see 'sostenere' in more specific contexts, especially regarding physical objects and simple opinions. You might learn that a wall 'sostiene' a roof, or that you 'sostieni' a friend who is sad. You will also start to notice its irregular conjugation, which is similar to 'tenere' (to hold). At this level, you should be able to understand sentences like 'Lui sostiene la mia idea' (He supports my idea). You might also see it in simple news headlines. It is a good time to start distinguishing it from 'aiutare'. While 'aiutare' is general help, 'sostenere' is more about being a foundation. If you help someone carry groceries, it's 'aiutare'. If you are the person they rely on for money or emotional strength, it's 'sostenere'. Practice the 'io' and 'tu' forms, as the 'g' and the 'ie' change can be tricky.

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By B1, 'sostenere' becomes a very important functional verb, particularly for the phrase 'sostenere un esame' (to take/undergo an exam). This is a vital expression for students or anyone taking a certification. You will also use it to express your opinions more formally. Instead of just saying 'Secondo me...' (According to me...), you can say 'Io sostengo che...' (I maintain/claim that...). This makes your Italian sound more sophisticated. You should also be comfortable using it in the past tense (ho sostenuto) and the future (sosterrò). At B1, you are expected to understand the difference between physical support (a pillar) and abstract support (an opinion). You will also encounter the word in discussions about the environment, as 'sostenibile' (sustainable) becomes a key vocabulary word for this level.

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At the B2 level, which is where 'sostenere' is officially categorized, you must master its various nuances. You should use it fluently in academic and professional contexts to mean 'to argue' or 'to assert'. For example, 'L'autore sostiene che la rivoluzione fosse inevitabile' (The author maintains that the revolution was inevitable). You should also understand its use in financial contexts, such as 'sostenere i costi' (to bear the costs). At this level, you should be able to use the passive voice ('la tesi è sostenuta da...') and the subjunctive after 'sostenere che' when expressing doubt or formal claims. You are also expected to know the difference between 'sostenere' and 'tifare' (supporting a team), avoiding the common 'false friend' error. Your ability to use 'sostenere' to describe complex relationships, such as 'sostenere il peso della responsabilità', shows a high level of linguistic maturity.

At the C1 level, you use 'sostenere' with precision in highly formal and literary contexts. You will encounter it in legal texts ('sostenere l'accusa' - to represent the prosecution) and in philosophical or scientific treatises. You should be familiar with its more rare meanings, such as 'sostenere lo sguardo' (to hold someone's gaze) or 'sostenere una parte' (to play a role/part in a play or social situation). You will also use its various derived forms, like 'sostenutezza' (stiffness/haughtiness) or 'sostenitore' (supporter/advocate). At this level, you should be able to appreciate the stylistic difference between 'sostenere', 'affermare', and 'asserire'. You will also use the 'passato remoto' form (sostenni) comfortably when reading or writing historical narratives. Your use of 'sostenere' should reflect a deep understanding of its Latin roots, implying not just support, but endurance and resistance against pressure.

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At the C2 level, 'sostenere' is a tool for nuanced expression. You can use it to describe the subtle 'tenuta' (hold) of a musical note, the structural integrity of a complex logical system, or the diplomatic 'sostegno' (backing) in international relations. You understand the historical evolution of the word and can use it in archaisms or highly specialized technical fields. You might use it to describe the 'sostenutezza' of a formal ceremony or the way a specific cadence in poetry 'sostiene' the rhythm. At this level, the word is no longer just a verb; it is a conceptual framework for understanding how things—ideas, buildings, people, and societies—stay standing under the weight of existence. You can effortlessly switch between its physical, emotional, and intellectual meanings to create rich, metaphorical language that sounds native and highly educated.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

sostenere en 30 secondes

Sostenere means to support physically, emotionally, or intellectually.
It is the standard verb for 'taking an exam' in Italian (sostenere un esame).
It follows the irregular conjugation of the verb 'tenere' (e.g., io sostengo).
It is a formal way to say 'to claim' or 'to maintain' an opinion.

The Italian verb sostenere is a multifaceted linguistic pillar, essential for anyone aiming for B2 proficiency and beyond. At its core, it derives from the Latin sustinere (sub- 'from below' + tenere 'to hold'), and this etymological root perfectly encapsulates its primary meaning: to hold something up from beneath. However, in modern Italian, its utility spans across physical, emotional, intellectual, and bureaucratic domains. Understanding when to use sostenere versus its cousins like mantenere or appoggiare is a hallmark of an advanced speaker.

Physical Support: In architecture or physics, it refers to the structural capacity to bear weight. A column 'sostiene' the roof. If you are carrying a heavy box, you are 'sostenendo' that weight. It implies an active effort against gravity or pressure.
Emotional and Moral Encouragement: This is perhaps the most common use in daily life. To 'sostenere un amico' means to provide emotional strength, to stand by them during a crisis, or to advocate for their well-being. It is deeper than just liking someone; it is about being their foundation.
Intellectual Assertion: In debates or academic writing, sostenere means to claim, argue, or maintain a point of view. When a scientist 'sostiene una teoria', they are not just holding it; they are defending its validity with evidence.

Le colonne di marmo devono sostenere l'intero peso della cupola rinascimentale.

Example of physical structural support.

Beyond these, the word takes on specific idiomatic roles. In the Italian education system, you don't just 'take' an exam; you 'sostieni' an exam. This reflects the historical view of an oral examination as a defense of one's knowledge against the questioning of professors. Similarly, in finance, sostenere le spese means to bear the costs or manage the expenses of a project. It implies that the person or entity is the financial backbone of the endeavor.

Devo sostenere l'esame di maturità a giugno.

Molti scienziati sostengono che il clima stia cambiando rapidamente.

I genitori dovrebbero sempre sostenere i sogni dei propri figli.

Non riesco a sostenere questo ritmo di lavoro così intenso.

In formal contexts, sostenere is the preferred verb for 'claiming' something in legal or journalistic writing. If a witness 'sostiene di aver visto l'imputato', they are making a formal assertion. This level of the word moves away from physical weight and into the weight of words and evidence. It is a high-frequency verb because it bridges the gap between the tangible and the abstract so seamlessly.

Using sostenere correctly requires an understanding of its irregular conjugation and the specific direct objects it takes. Unlike some verbs that require prepositions, sostenere is transitive, meaning it directly acts upon an object. Whether you are supporting a person, an idea, or a physical object, the structure remains Soggetto + Sostenere + Oggetto Diretto.

Conjugation Nuances: Because it follows tenere, you must watch for the 'g' in sostengo and sostengono. In the passato prossimo, it uses avere (ho sostenuto). In the passato remoto, it becomes sostenni, which is frequent in literature when describing historical figures who 'held' a certain position or 'defended' a city.
The 'Exam' Context: This is a classic 'false friend' trap. English speakers say 'take an exam'. Italians say 'dare un esame' or, more formally, 'sostenere un esame'. Using sostenere here elevates your register and sounds much more natural in a university setting.

L'avvocato sostiene l'innocenza del suo cliente con prove schiaccianti.

Asserting a legal position.

When used with human objects, it implies a relationship of care or sponsorship. If a foundation 'sostiene' a researcher, they are providing the necessary funds and resources. If a friend 'sostiene' you during a breakup, they are providing the shoulder to cry on. Note that in the sense of 'bearing' or 'enduring' (like a pain or a gaze), it can also be used: 'sostenere lo sguardo' means to look someone in the eye without flinching.

Non è facile sostenere lo sguardo di una persona che mente.

Dobbiamo sostenere i costi di spedizione per questo ordine.

In the passive voice, it is also very common: 'La tesi è sostenuta da molti esperti' (The thesis is supported by many experts). This structure is vital for formal reports and academic papers. It moves the focus from the person claiming to the weight of the claim itself. As you move toward C1, you will notice that sostenere is often paired with abstract nouns like ritmo, urto, peso, and tesi, creating a sophisticated vocabulary web.

If you walk into an Italian university during 'sessione d'esami' (exam season), sostenere is the word you will hear in every hallway. Students will ask each other, 'Quanti esami devi ancora sostenere?' (How many exams do you still have to take?). It is the standard, formal way to describe the act of being evaluated. In this context, it carries the weight of the effort involved in preparing and presenting knowledge.

The News and Media: In political talk shows like 'Porta a Porta', you will hear politicians 'sostenendo' their policies. They use it to mean 'I maintain that...' or 'My position is...'. It sounds more authoritative than simply saying 'penso' (I think) or 'dico' (I say).
Daily Social Interactions: Among friends, it’s used to express solidarity. 'Ti sostengo in questa scelta' (I support you in this choice) is a powerful statement of loyalty. It’s more formal than 'ti aiuto' (I help you), suggesting a deeper moral backing.

Il testimone sostiene di aver visto tutto dalla finestra.

Common in crime news (cronaca nera).

In the world of business and sustainability, sostenere is the root of sostenibilità (sustainability). You will see 'sviluppo sostenibile' (sustainable development) on every corporate brochure and news segment regarding the environment. Here, the word takes on the meaning of 'capable of being maintained over time without collapsing'. It refers to the balance between resources and consumption.

È importante sostenere l'economia locale comprando nei piccoli negozi.

Finally, in the arts, particularly in music or theater, a performer might be asked to 'sostenere una nota' (hold a note) or 'sostenere un ruolo' (play a role). This implies the endurance required to keep the performance at a high level. Whether it's a soprano holding a high C or an actor maintaining a difficult character, sostenere captures the essence of the effort required to prevent the performance from faltering.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with sostenere is treating it as a literal translation for every instance of the English word 'support'. While there is significant overlap, Italian is more specific about the *type* of support being offered. If you use sostenere in the wrong context, you might sound overly formal or simply confusing.

The 'Sports Fan' Error: In English, you 'support' Manchester United. In Italian, if you say 'Sostengo il Milan', it sounds like you are financially funding the team or acting as their lawyer. To say you are a fan, you must use fare il tifo per or tifare. This is a classic B1/B2 level mistake.
Confusing with 'Mantenere': While both can mean 'to maintain', mantenere is more about keeping something in its current state (like a promise or a car), whereas sostenere is about the effort to keep something from falling or failing. You 'mantieni una promessa' but 'sostieni un peso'.
Conjugation of the 'G': Many learners say 'io sosteno' instead of the correct io sostengo. Because it's a long word, learners often forget it follows the irregular pattern of tenere. Always remember: Sostengo, sostieni, sostiene, sosteniamo, sostenete, sostengono.

Sostengo la Juventus da quando ero piccolo.
Tifo per la Juventus da quando ero piccolo.

Correcting the sports fan error.

Another subtle mistake involves the use of prepositions. Sostenere never takes 'di' or 'a' before a noun. It is 'sostenere qualcuno', not 'sostenere a qualcuno'. However, when it means 'to claim that...', it is followed by che and a clause: 'Sostiene che sia vero'. Note that after sostenere che, if there is doubt or if it's a subjective claim, the subjunctive (congiuntivo) is often used in elegant speech, though the indicative is common in daily talk.

To truly master Italian, you need to know when to swap sostenere for a more precise synonym. Italian is a language that prizes variety and specific nuances. Depending on whether you are talking about a physical wall, a crying friend, or a scientific argument, there might be a better word available.

Appoggiare: This means 'to lean' or 'to back'. In politics, you 'appoggi' a candidate. It’s less about 'holding them up' and more about giving them your vote or approval. It’s a lighter form of support than sostenere.
Reggere: This is the most physical alternative. It means 'to hold' or 'to bear'. If you ask someone 'Mi reggi la borsa?' (Can you hold my bag?), you are asking for physical assistance. It also means to withstand: 'reggere l'urto' (to withstand the impact).
Affermare: When sostenere means 'to claim', affermare is its closest synonym. Affermare is slightly more neutral and assertive. 'Lui afferma di essere innocente' is a direct statement of fact, whereas 'Lui sostiene di essere innocente' implies he is defending that position.

Non so se questo tavolo potrà reggere il peso di tutti questi libri.

Using 'reggere' for physical weight.

In a moral or emotional sense, you might also use incoraggiare (to encourage) or aiutare (to help). However, sostenere remains unique because it implies a continuous, foundational presence. To 'sostenere una causa' (support a cause) implies a long-term commitment, perhaps involving donations, advocacy, and public defense.

When discussing costs, farsi carico di is a more idiomatic alternative to sostenere le spese. It literally means 'to take the load upon oneself'. This is very common in family or business discussions. For example: 'Lo Stato si farà carico dei danni' (The State will take charge of the damages). While sostenere is perfectly correct, farsi carico adds a layer of responsibility and agency that is very Italian.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word is a 'compound' of the verb 'tenere'. This is why it shares its irregular conjugation pattern. In ancient times, it was used specifically for carrying heavy loads during construction.

Guide de prononciation

UK /so.steˈne.re/

US /so.steˈne.re/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable: sos-te-NÉ-re.

Rime avec

temere vedere cadere piacere sedere potere volere dovere

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z' sound (it should be unvoiced /s/).
Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., SOS-te-ne-re).
English-style 'r' instead of Italian alveolar tap.
Not distinguishing the 'o' and 'e' sounds clearly.
Failing to double the 'n' in the past participle 'sostenuto' (though it's single 'n', learners often over-correct).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Common in news and books, easy to recognize but has multiple meanings.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of irregular conjugation (sostengo, sostenni).

Expression orale 4/5

Hard to remember to use instead of 'aiutare' or 'prendere un esame'.

Écoute 3/5

Clearly pronounced, but can be confused with 'tenere' in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

tenere aiutare esame peso idea

Apprends ensuite

affermare asserire sostenibilità sopportare mantenere

Avancé

patrocinio perno fondamento avvalorare suffragare

Grammaire à connaître

Irregular conjugation of verbs ending in -tenere.

Io sostengo, tu sostieni, loro sostengono.

Use of 'avere' as auxiliary in compound tenses.

Ho sostenuto l'esame.

Subjunctive after verbs of claiming (formal).

Sostengo che lui abbia ragione.

Transitive usage (no preposition before the object).

Sostenere qualcuno (NOT sostenere a qualcuno).

Passato remoto patterns for -tenere verbs.

Io sostenni, lui sostenne.

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Exemples par niveau

Io ti sostengo sempre.

I always support you.

Simple present tense of 'sostenere'.

Le colonne sostengono la casa.

The columns support the house.

Plural third-person present.

Chi ti sostiene?

Who supports you?

Interrogative sentence.

Mia madre mi sostiene.

My mother supports me.

Subject-Object-Verb order with pronoun.

Noi sosteniamo i tuoi sogni.

We support your dreams.

First-person plural present.

Sostieni il tuo amico!

Support your friend!

Imperative form (tu).

Lui non mi sostiene.

He doesn't support me.

Negative sentence structure.

Voi sostenete il peso.

You (plural) support the weight.

Second-person plural present.

Ho sostenuto il mio amico ieri.

I supported my friend yesterday.

Passato prossimo with 'avere'.

Puoi sostenere questa borsa?

Can you hold/support this bag?

Modal verb 'potere' + infinitive.

Il muro sostiene il soffitto.

The wall supports the ceiling.

Physical usage of the verb.

Sostengo la tua opinione.

I support your opinion.

Abstract usage of the verb.

Dobbiamo sostenere le persone care.

We must support our loved ones.

Modal verb 'dovere' + infinitive.

Lei sostiene che fa caldo.

She maintains/claims that it is hot.

Introduction of the 'claim' meaning.

Mi sostieni in questo progetto?

Will you support me in this project?

Question with object pronoun 'mi'.

Hanno sostenuto la scala.

They held the ladder.

Third-person plural passato prossimo.

Domani devo sostenere un esame difficile.

Tomorrow I have to take a difficult exam.

Standard phrase for taking an exam.

Molti scienziati sostengono questa teoria.

Many scientists support this theory.

Formal assertion meaning.

Non posso sostenere questi costi elevati.

I cannot bear these high costs.

Financial usage.

Hai sostenuto l'esame di guida?

Did you take your driving test?

Question about a specific exam.

Sostengo che sia necessario studiare.

I maintain that it is necessary to study.

Use of subjunctive 'sia' after 'sostenere che'.

Il governo sostiene le piccole imprese.

The government supports small businesses.

Economic/political support.

Come sostieni la tua famiglia?

How do you support your family?

Financial/moral support of family.

L'associazione sostiene i diritti umani.

The association supports human rights.

Supporting a cause.

L'avvocato sostiene l'innocenza dell'imputato.

The lawyer maintains the innocence of the accused.

Legal context.

Non riesco a sostenere questo ritmo di vita.

I can't keep up with this pace of life.

Enduring a pace or rhythm.

È difficile sostenere lo sguardo di un nemico.

It is difficult to hold the gaze of an enemy.

Idiomatic use: 'sostenere lo sguardo'.

La ricerca è stata sostenuta da fondi europei.

The research was supported by European funds.

Passive voice with 'essere'.

Sostieni ancora la tua vecchia tesi?

Do you still maintain your old thesis?

Intellectual defense.

Bisogna sostenere l'urto della crisi economica.

We must withstand the impact of the economic crisis.

Idiomatic use: 'sostenere l'urto'.

Lei sostiene di non aver mai visto quell'uomo.

She claims never to have seen that man.

'Sostenere di' + infinitive.

Il pilastro deve sostenere un peso enorme.

The pillar must support an enormous weight.

Technical physical support.

Il filosofo sostenne la teoria dell'essere.

The philosopher maintained the theory of being.

Passato remoto 'sostenne'.

Non è facile sostenere una conversazione in una lingua straniera.

It's not easy to sustain a conversation in a foreign language.

Sustaining an activity over time.

L'accusa sostiene che il delitto sia stato premeditato.

The prosecution maintains that the crime was premeditated.

Formal legal claim with subjunctive.

Sostenne la parte del protagonista con grande maestria.

He played the lead role with great mastery.

Theatrical usage: 'sostenere una parte'.

Dobbiamo sostenere lo sforzo bellico.

We must sustain the war effort.

Political/historical context.

La struttura non è in grado di sostenere ulteriori vibrazioni.

The structure is not able to withstand further vibrations.

Technical engineering context.

Sostengo fermamente che la libertà sia un diritto inalienabile.

I firmly maintain that freedom is an unalienable right.

Strong rhetorical assertion.

La soprano ha sostenuto la nota per dieci secondi.

The soprano held the note for ten seconds.

Musical context.

La sua tesi, sebbene audace, è sostenuta da un apparato critico impeccabile.

His thesis, though bold, is supported by an impeccable critical apparatus.

High academic register.

Sostenne l'urto della cavalleria senza arretrare di un passo.

He withstood the charge of the cavalry without retreating a single step.

Literary passato remoto.

L'impalcatura logica su cui sostiene il suo discorso è fragile.

The logical framework on which he bases his speech is fragile.

Metaphorical structural support.

Egli sosteneva con sussiego le sue nobili origini.

He maintained his noble origins with haughtiness.

Describing attitude/register.

Non v'è prova che possa sostenere una simile illazione.

There is no proof that can support such an inference.

Archaic 'v'è' and complex vocabulary.

Sostenne lo sguardo del tiranno con fiera fermezza.

He met the tyrant's gaze with proud firmness.

Elevated literary style.

Il ritmo incalzante è sostenuto dai contrabbassi.

The pressing rhythm is sustained by the double basses.

Musical/technical description.

Sostenne di aver agito per il bene supremo dello Stato.

He claimed to have acted for the supreme good of the State.

Political rhetoric.

Synonymes

appoggiare reggere affermare mantenere sopportare favorire patrocinare asserire

Antonymes

abbandonare negare smentire crollare

Collocations courantes

sostenere un esame

sostenere una tesi

sostenere lo sguardo

sostenere i costi

sostenere un peso

sostenere un ritmo

sostenere un'accusa

sostenere una causa

sostenere una parte

sostenere lo sforzo

Phrases Courantes

Sostenere a spada tratta

— To defend someone or something very strongly and fiercely.

Sostiene il suo capo a spada tratta.

Sostenere le spese

— To pay for everything involved in a project or situation.

Chi sosterrà le spese del viaggio?

Sostenere un colloquio

— To have a job interview.

Oggi pomeriggio devo sostenere un colloquio.

Sostenere l'urto

— To withstand a strong impact or a difficult period.

L'argine ha sostenuto l'urto della piena.

Sostenere la prova

— To pass or undergo a test/trial.

Ha sostenuto la prova con coraggio.

Sostenere l'opinione

— To hold or defend a specific point of view.

Sostengo l'opinione della maggioranza.

Sostenere il confronto

— To be able to be compared with something else without looking bad.

Questo vino sostiene il confronto con i francesi.

Sostenere la famiglia

— To provide financial and emotional stability for one's relatives.

Lavora sodo per sostenere la famiglia.

Sostenere una nota

— In music, to keep a note sounding for a long time.

Prova a sostenere questa nota più a lungo.

Sostenere un'idea

— To advocate for or believe in a concept.

Sostengo l'idea di una scuola più moderna.

Souvent confondu avec

sostenere vs sopportare

Sostenere is to support/help; sopportare is to tolerate/endure something annoying.

sostenere vs mantenere

Sostenere is about the effort to keep something up; mantenere is about keeping something in a state (like a promise).

sostenere vs appoggiare

Sostenere is deeper and more structural; appoggiare is to lean or back an idea/candidate.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Sostenere la baracca"

— To be the only one keeping a situation (or business/family) going when everything else is failing.

In quell'ufficio, è lei che sostiene la baracca.

informal

"Sostenere l'impossibile"

— To claim something that is clearly not true or very unlikely.

Non puoi sostenere l'impossibile davanti all'evidenza.

neutral

"Sostenere la parte di"

— To act as if one is someone else or to play a specific social role.

Sostiene la parte della vittima per farsi commiserare.

neutral

"Sostenere il sacco"

— To help someone in a dishonest act (similar to 'holding the bag').

Non voglio sostenere il sacco ai tuoi imbrogli.

informal

"Sostenere il moccolo"

— To be a 'third wheel' (literally holding the candle for lovers).

Non mi va di venire al cinema a sostenere il moccolo.

informal

"Sostenere a oltranza"

— To support or defend something to the very end, without giving up.

I sindacati sostengono lo sciopero a oltranza.

formal

"Sostenere i gradi"

— To maintain one's dignity or status in a difficult situation.

Anche nella sfortuna, ha saputo sostenere i suoi gradi.

literary

"Sostenere l'anima coi denti"

— To be barely alive or to be struggling immensely to survive.

Dopo la malattia, sosteneva l'anima coi denti.

informal/regional

"Sostenere la conversazione"

— To keep a conversation going when others are silent.

È stata lei a sostenere la conversazione per tutta la cena.

neutral

"Sostenere il timone"

— To be in charge and guide a group through difficulty.

Il capitano ha sostenuto il timone durante la tempesta.

literary

Facile à confondre

sostenere vs Tifare

English uses 'support' for sports.

Sostenere is for active help or logical defense; Tifare is for being a fan of a team.

Tifo per la Roma, ma sostengo la tua idea.

sostenere vs Prendere (un esame)

Literal translation of 'take an exam'.

In Italian, 'prendere un esame' is incorrect. You 'sostieni' or 'dai' an esame.

Devo sostenere l'esame, non prenderlo!

sostenere vs Reggere

Both mean to hold weight.

Reggere is more common for physical objects and immediate actions; Sostenere is more formal and abstract.

Reggi la borsa! Il pilastro sostiene il tetto.

sostenere vs Asserire

Both mean to claim.

Asserire is much more formal and literary than sostenere.

Lui asserisce la sua innocenza in tribunale.

sostenere vs Aiutare

Both involve helping.

Aiutare is general; Sostenere implies being a foundation or moral pillar.

Ti aiuto a pulire, ma ti sostengo nella vita.

Structures de phrases

Io sostengo + [Person]

Io sostengo Maria.

Sostenere + [Noun]

Sostenere il tavolo.

Sostenere un esame

Ho sostenuto un esame ieri.

Sostenere che + [Subjunctive]

Sostengo che sia giusto.

Sostenere le spese

Dobbiamo sostenere le spese.

Sostenere lo sguardo

Non sostiene il mio sguardo.

Sostenere una parte

Sostiene la parte del cattivo.

Sostenere l'urto

Sostenne l'urto del destino.

Famille de mots

Noms

sostegno (support)

sostenitore (supporter)

sostenibilità (sustainability)

sostenimento (the act of supporting)

Verbes

sostenere (to support)

Adjectifs

sostenibile (sustainable)

sostenuto (sustained/steady)

sostenente (supporting)

Apparenté

tenere

mantenere

contenere

appartenere

trattenere

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very common in academic, legal, and daily emotional contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'sostenere' for sports teams. → Tifare per una squadra.
In English, we say 'I support Chelsea'. In Italian, you 'tifi' for them. 'Sostenere' is too formal and implies financial or structural backing.
Conjugating 'io sosteno'. → Io sostengo.
Because it follows 'tenere', it needs the 'g' in the first person singular and third person plural.
Saying 'prendere un esame'. → Sostenere un esame.
You don't 'take' an exam in Italian; you 'sustain' (sostenere) or 'give' (dare) it.
Confusing 'sostenere' with 'sopportare'. → Sopportare il rumore.
If you want to say you 'tolerate' something annoying, use 'sopportare'. 'Sostenere' is for support or endurance of weight/rhythm.
Using 'sostenere a qualcuno'. → Sostenere qualcuno.
Sostenere is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'a'.

Astuces

Conjugation Trick

If you know how to conjugate 'tenere' (to hold), you already know 'sostenere'. Just add 'sos-' to the front. This applies to all tenses, including the tricky ones like the future (sosterrò) and the conditional (sosterrei).

The Exam Verb

In university, never say 'faccio un esame'. Always say 'sostengo un esame'. It makes you sound like a serious student who understands the formal weight of the evaluation process.

Support vs. Fan

Remember: Sostenere = Support (Pillar/Help). Tifare = Support (Sports Fan). Confusing these is one of the most common 'foreigner' mistakes in Italy.

Academic Writing

Use 'sostenere' to introduce your thesis statement. 'In questo saggio si sostiene che...' (In this essay, it is maintained that...). It provides a strong, logical foundation for your arguments.

Eye Contact

If you want to talk about a tense moment, use 'sostenere lo sguardo'. It’s a very evocative phrase that describes the power dynamic between two people.

Paying the Bills

When talking about expenses, 'sostenere le spese' is the standard way to say 'to bear the costs'. It’s more formal than 'pagare' and is used in business and legal documents.

Moral Support

To tell a friend you are there for them, say 'Ti sostengo'. It’s a very deep and meaningful way to express loyalty and friendship beyond just 'ti aiuto'.

Structural Integrity

In a physical sense, 'sostenere' is about gravity. If something is holding something else up from below, 'sostenere' is your go-to verb.

The 'G' Sound

Pay attention to 'sostengo' (/soˈstɛŋ.ɡo/). The 'g' is hard, like in 'go'. This happens only in the first person singular and third person plural (sostengono).

Latin Roots

Remember the Latin 'sub' (under) + 'tenere' (hold). It literally means 'to hold from under'. This helps you remember its physical meaning of supporting weight.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Sustaining' pillar. 'SOS-tenere' - when you need help (SOS), someone 'holds' (tenere) you up.

Association visuelle

Visualize an Atlas figure holding the world on his shoulders. He is 'sostenendo' the globe.

Word Web

esame peso tesi amico costi sguardo ritmo pilastro

Défi

Try to use 'sostenere' in three different ways today: once for an opinion, once for an exam, and once for a physical object.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'sustinere', composed of 'sub-' (under/from below) and 'tenere' (to hold).

Sens originel : Literally 'to hold up from below'.

Romance (Italic).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but when using it to mean 'to claim', be aware it can imply a degree of skepticism in journalistic contexts.

English speakers often use 'support' for sports teams, but Italians never use 'sostenere' for this. They use 'tifare'.

Galileo Galilei 'sostenne' the heliocentric theory against the Church. The 'sostegno' of the Medici family for Michelangelo. The song 'Sostegno' by various Italian indie artists.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

University

Sostenere l'esame orale
Sostenere la tesi di laurea
Sostenere un test d'ingresso
Sostenere un colloquio con il professore

Legal

Sostenere l'accusa
Sostenere la difesa
Sostenere di essere innocente
Sostenere una testimonianza

Physical/Construction

Sostenere il carico
Sostenere la struttura
Sostenere il peso della cupola
Sostenere l'impalcatura

Financial

Sostenere le spese mediche
Sostenere i costi di gestione
Sostenere un investimento
Sostenere l'economia

Emotional

Sostenere un amico in lutto
Sostenere moralmente
Sostenere una scelta difficile
Sostenere psicologicamente

Amorces de conversation

"Qual è l'esame più difficile che hai dovuto sostenere?"

"Sostieni che sia meglio vivere in città o in campagna?"

"Chi ti ha sostenuto di più durante i tuoi studi?"

"Credi che lo Stato debba sostenere le arti?"

"Riesci a sostenere lo sguardo di qualcuno che ti piace?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descrivi una situazione in cui hai dovuto sostenere un amico in difficoltà.

Quali sono le spese più grandi che devi sostenere ogni mese?

Scrivi di un'opinione che sostieni fermamente, anche se gli altri non sono d'accordo.

Come ti senti prima di sostenere un esame importante?

Pensi che le attuali strutture sociali possano sostenere il cambiamento climatico?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, that's a common mistake for English speakers. In Italian, you should use 'tifare' or 'fare il tifo'. 'Sostenere' implies a more active, structural, or financial support. For example, if you 'sostieni' a team, people might think you are a major donor or part of the management.

Yes, it follows the conjugation of 'tenere'. This means the first person singular is 'io sostengo' (not sosteno) and the second person is 'tu sostieni'. The past participle is 'sostenuto' and the passato remoto is 'io sostenni'. It is important to memorize these forms as they are very common.

While they both come from 'tenere', 'sostenere' usually implies holding something up from below or defending an idea. 'Mantenere' is more about keeping something in its current condition, like 'mantenere la calma' (keep calm) or 'mantenere una promessa' (keep a promise). They are occasionally interchangeable but usually have these distinct flavors.

The most formal and correct way is 'sostenere un esame'. You can also say 'dare un esame'. Avoid saying 'fare un esame' or 'prendere un esame', as these sound unnatural to native ears. For example: 'Ieri ho sostenuto l'esame di storia' (Yesterday I took the history exam).

When it means 'to claim' or 'to maintain that...', it often takes the subjunctive in formal writing or when there is an element of doubt: 'Sostengo che lui sia innocente'. However, in casual conversation, the indicative is frequently used: 'Sostiene che ha ragione'. Using the subjunctive will make you sound more educated.

It is an idiom meaning 'to hold someone's gaze'. It implies strength or honesty, as in being able to look someone in the eyes without looking away. For example: 'Non è riuscito a sostenere il mio sguardo perché mentiva' (He couldn't look me in the eye because he was lying).

Occasionally, yes, in the sense of 'bearing' a situation, but 'sopportare' is much more common for 'to tolerate'. 'Sostenere' is more about the capacity to handle the weight of something, like 'sostenere un ritmo di lavoro' (to keep up with a work pace).

A 'sostenitore' is a supporter. It can be a fan of a political party, a donor to a charity, or someone who advocates for a specific cause. It is the noun form of the verb 'sostenere'. For example: 'È un grande sostenitore della protezione ambientale'.

Like 'tenere', it drops the 'e' and adds a double 'r': 'io sosterrò', 'tu sosterrai', 'lui sosterrà', 'noi sosterremo', 'voi sosterrete', 'loro sosterranno'. This is a common pattern for many irregular Italian verbs.

Yes, it can mean to hold a note or to maintain a certain tempo or volume. A conductor might tell a singer to 'sostenere la nota' (hold the note) to ensure it doesn't fade away too quickly. It's about the endurance of the sound.

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