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A2 verb #2,000 가장 일반적인 16분 분량

sostener

상위 2,000

At the A1 beginner level, your primary focus with 'sostener' should be on its most basic, literal, and physical meaning: to hold something in your hands or arms so that it does not drop. Imagine you are carrying groceries, holding a baby, or keeping a door open for someone behind you. In these everyday situations, 'sostener' is the perfect verb to describe the action of bearing the weight of an object. You will often hear it used in simple requests or commands, such as 'Sostén esto, por favor' (Hold this, please) or '¿Puedes sostener mi bolso?' (Can you hold my bag?). Because 'sostener' is an irregular verb that follows the exact same pattern as 'tener' (to have), it is crucial to practice its present tense forms early on: yo sostengo, tú sostienes, él/ella sostiene, nosotros sostenemos, ellos/ellas sostienen. While beginners might frequently use simpler verbs like 'tener' (to have/hold) or 'tomar' (to take) in similar contexts, learning 'sostener' allows you to be much more precise. It specifically communicates the effort of keeping something up against gravity. At this stage, do not worry too much about the metaphorical or abstract meanings of the word. Concentrate on mastering the physical concept of holding and the basic present tense conjugations. Practice by describing actions you do every day, like 'Sostengo mi teléfono' (I hold my phone) or 'Sostengo un vaso de agua' (I hold a glass of water). This foundational understanding will prepare you for the more complex uses of the verb as you progress to higher levels of Spanish proficiency.

As you reach the A2 elementary level, your understanding of 'sostener' should expand beyond just holding simple objects in your hands. You will start to encounter and use the verb in slightly more complex physical scenarios and begin to see its application in basic abstract contexts. Physically, you might use it to describe structures supporting weight, such as 'La pared sostiene el techo' (The wall supports the roof) or 'Las columnas sostienen el puente' (The columns support the bridge). This broadens the verb's utility from personal actions to describing the physical world around you. Furthermore, at the A2 level, you should be introduced to the concept of 'sostener a una familia' (to support a family financially). This is a very common and important phrase in Spanish-speaking cultures. It means providing the money needed for food, housing, and other necessities. You might say, 'Él trabaja mucho para sostener a su familia' (He works a lot to support his family). Grammatically, you need to become comfortable using 'sostener' in the preterite (past) tense to describe actions that have been completed. Remember that it is highly irregular: sostuve, sostuviste, sostuvo, sostuvimos, sostuvieron. Practicing sentences like 'Ayer sostuve a mi sobrino' (Yesterday I held my nephew) or 'Ella sostuvo la puerta abierta' (She held the door open) is essential. You should also start recognizing the reflexive form 'sostenerse' in physical contexts, such as 'El anciano se sostiene con un bastón' (The old man supports himself with a cane). By mastering these additional physical and basic financial contexts, and solidifying your grasp of the past tense, your use of 'sostener' will become significantly more natural and versatile.

At the B1 intermediate level, 'sostener' becomes a powerful tool for expressing abstract concepts, particularly in the realms of communication, relationships, and opinions. You are no longer just holding physical objects; you are now holding conversations, maintaining relationships, and supporting arguments. A key phrase to master at this stage is 'sostener una conversación' (to hold a conversation). This implies an active, flowing dialogue, not just a brief exchange of words. You might say, 'Ayer sostuve una conversación interesante con mi profesor' (Yesterday I held an interesting conversation with my teacher). Additionally, you will start using 'sostener' to express beliefs or claims, often followed by the conjunction 'que'. For example, 'El científico sostiene que el clima está cambiando' (The scientist maintains that the climate is changing). This structure is vital for expressing opinions, reporting what others have said, and participating in debates or discussions. You should also become comfortable with the financial meaning of 'sostener' (to support economically) in more complex sentences, discussing the challenges of sustaining a lifestyle or a business. Grammatically, your command of 'sostener' must expand to include all major tenses, including the imperfect (sostenía), the future (sostendré), and the conditional (sostendría). You must also be able to use it accurately in the present subjunctive (sostenga) when expressing doubt, emotion, or influence. For instance, 'Dudo que él sostenga esa opinión' (I doubt he holds that opinion). At the B1 level, the distinction between 'sostener' (to support/maintain) and 'soportar' (to tolerate/put up with) must be crystal clear to avoid embarrassing false-friend errors. Your vocabulary is expanding, and 'sostener' is a key verb for articulating more sophisticated thoughts and participating in deeper conversations.

Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level means you are expected to use 'sostener' with a high degree of fluency, precision, and nuance across a wide variety of formal and informal contexts. At this stage, the verb is frequently used in professional, academic, and journalistic settings to describe the defense of a thesis, the maintenance of a position, or the continuation of a state of affairs. You will encounter and use phrases like 'sostener una teoría' (to maintain a theory), 'sostener un argumento' (to support an argument), or 'sostener el crecimiento económico' (to sustain economic growth). The ability to use 'sostener que' to attribute claims in a formal register is crucial for writing essays, reports, and participating in formal debates. For example, 'El autor del artículo sostiene que las medidas son insuficientes' (The author of the article maintains that the measures are insufficient). Furthermore, you should be adept at using the reflexive form 'sostenerse' in abstract ways. If an argument is weak, you might say, 'Ese argumento no se sostiene' (That argument doesn't hold up/isn't valid). This metaphorical usage demonstrates a deep understanding of the language's mechanics. Grammatically, you must have absolute mastery over all conjugations of 'sostener', including the past subjunctive (sostuviera/sostuviese) and compound tenses (ha sostenido, había sostenido). You should be able to navigate complex sentences seamlessly, such as 'Si el gobierno no hubiera sostenido los precios, la inflación se habría disparado' (If the government hadn't sustained prices, inflation would have skyrocketed). At the B2 level, your vocabulary choices should be deliberate. You should know exactly when to choose 'sostener' over synonyms like 'mantener', 'defender', or 'afirmar' to convey the precise shade of meaning—often implying a continuous, active effort to uphold a position or a physical weight.

At the C1 advanced level, your use of 'sostener' should be sophisticated, effortless, and indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You are expected to deploy the verb in highly complex, abstract, and literary contexts, demonstrating a profound grasp of its subtle connotations. In academic and professional discourse, 'sostener' is your go-to verb for articulating complex theoretical frameworks, legal arguments, and philosophical positions. You will use it to describe the underpinning of entire systems of thought: 'Esta premisa sostiene toda la estructura de su filosofía' (This premise supports the entire structure of his philosophy). You should be comfortable with advanced collocations and idiomatic expressions involving the verb. For instance, 'sostener la mirada' (to hold someone's gaze) is used to convey confidence, defiance, or deep connection in narrative descriptions. You will also use 'sostener' to discuss the sustainability of long-term projects, ecological systems, or economic models, reflecting a high level of vocabulary related to contemporary global issues. Grammatically, there should be no hesitation with any form of the verb, including the most obscure literary tenses or complex subjunctive structures. You might write, 'Es imperativo que se sostenga el esfuerzo diplomático para evitar el conflicto' (It is imperative that the diplomatic effort be sustained to avoid conflict). At this level, you are also acutely aware of register. You know that 'sostener' elevates the tone of a text compared to simpler verbs. You can play with the reflexive 'sostenerse' to create nuanced meanings about self-reliance, validity, or precarious balance. Your understanding of 'sostener' is no longer just about translation; it is about utilizing the verb as a precise instrument to shape your arguments, refine your narratives, and express complex intellectual and emotional realities with elegance and authority.

At the C2 mastery level, your command of 'sostener' transcends mere grammatical correctness and vocabulary knowledge; it enters the realm of stylistic mastery and profound linguistic intuition. You manipulate the verb with the dexterity of a poet or a seasoned orator, using it to evoke subtle imagery, convey complex psychological states, and construct intricate, multi-layered arguments. In literary contexts, you appreciate and utilize 'sostener' for its rhythmic and phonetic qualities, as well as its semantic depth. You might use it to describe the delicate balance of a fragile ecosystem, the enduring tension in a dramatic scene, or the unspoken emotional weight carried by a character. For example, 'El silencio que se sostuvo entre ellos era más elocuente que cualquier palabra' (The silence that was sustained between them was more eloquent than any word). You effortlessly navigate the historical and etymological resonances of the word, understanding how its Latin roots ('sustinere') inform its modern usage. In highly specialized fields—such as law, philosophy, or advanced scientific research—you use 'sostener' to articulate the foundational tenets of complex theories with absolute precision. You are capable of engaging in rigorous debates where the validity of an argument hinges on the exact interpretation of what it means to 'sostener' a claim. Furthermore, you can creatively subvert expectations, using the verb in novel or unexpected ways that still feel entirely natural and correct within the context of the Spanish language. Your use of 'sostener' at the C2 level is characterized by a complete absence of hesitation, a flawless application of all grammatical nuances (including the most complex conditional and subjunctive hypothetical clauses), and an intuitive understanding of how the verb interacts with the broader tapestry of Spanish vocabulary and syntax to create meaning that is both beautiful and exact.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

sostener 30초 만에

To physically hold, grasp, or bear the weight of an object.
To financially support a family or provide for someone's needs.
To maintain an ongoing activity, like holding a conversation or a meeting.
To defend, assert, or maintain an opinion, theory, or argument.

The Spanish verb 'sostener' is a highly versatile and frequently used word that primarily translates to 'to hold', 'to grasp', 'to carry', or 'to keep in position' in English. Understanding its multifaceted nature requires delving into both its physical and abstract applications. In its most literal sense, 'sostener' refers to the physical act of supporting an object's weight so that it does not fall. This could involve holding a book, supporting a heavy box, or keeping a door open for someone. The physical implication is one of bearing weight and maintaining stability against the force of gravity. Beyond the physical realm, 'sostener' takes on significant metaphorical and abstract meanings. It is extensively used to describe the act of maintaining a particular situation, state, or condition over time. For instance, one can 'sostener una conversación' (hold a conversation), which implies keeping the dialogue going and preventing it from dying out. Similarly, it is used in the context of supporting an argument, a theory, or a claim. When a scientist or a lawyer 'sostiene' a theory, they are defending it, providing evidence for it, and maintaining its validity against counterarguments. This intellectual or argumentative support is a crucial aspect of the word's usage in academic, legal, and formal contexts.

Physical Support: The most basic meaning, referring to holding an object to prevent it from falling, such as holding a glass or supporting a structure.

El pilar principal puede sostener todo el peso del techo sin problemas.

Furthermore, 'sostener' is frequently employed to denote financial or emotional support. A person might 'sostener a su familia' (support their family), meaning they provide the necessary financial resources for their family's survival and well-being. This economic dimension is vital in everyday conversations about jobs, income, and responsibilities. Emotionally, one can 'sostener' someone through a difficult time, offering comfort, stability, and reassurance. The verb's etymology, derived from the Latin 'sustinere' (sub- 'up from below' + tenere 'to hold'), perfectly encapsulates this idea of holding something up from underneath, whether that 'something' is a physical object, an abstract concept, a financial burden, or an emotional state. The conjugation of 'sostener' follows the irregular pattern of the base verb 'tener', making it essential for learners to master its forms (e.g., sostengo, sostienes, sostuvo, sostendrá) to use it correctly across different tenses and moods.

Financial Support: Providing the economic means necessary for living, such as paying for food, housing, and education for dependents.

Trabaja en dos lugares para sostener a sus tres hijos.

In literature and formal writing, 'sostener' is often chosen over simpler synonyms like 'mantener' or 'tener' to add a layer of gravity or effort to the action. It implies a continuous, sometimes strenuous, exertion of energy or willpower. For example, 'sostener la mirada' (to hold someone's gaze) suggests a deliberate, perhaps intense, eye contact that requires confidence or defiance, whereas simply looking at someone does not carry the same weight. This nuance makes 'sostener' a powerful tool for writers and speakers aiming to convey resilience, determination, or steadfastness. The reflexive form, 'sostenerse', is also common and means to support oneself, to stand firm, or to remain valid. An argument might 'sostenerse por sí solo' (stand on its own), or an elderly person might use a cane to 'sostenerse' (support themselves). Understanding these varied dimensions—physical, abstract, financial, emotional, and reflexive—is key to fully grasping what 'sostener' means and how to wield it effectively in Spanish.

Intellectual Support: Defending a thesis, argument, or belief against opposition, providing logical reasoning or evidence to maintain its validity.

El abogado intentó sostener la inocencia de su cliente ante el jurado.

Es difícil sostener una mentira durante tanto tiempo.

Ella logró sostener el equilibrio sobre la cuerda floja.

Using 'sostener' correctly involves mastering its conjugation, understanding its syntactical requirements, and recognizing the appropriate contexts for its various meanings. Because it is a compound of 'tener', its conjugation is highly irregular. In the present indicative, it follows the e-to-ie stem change (tú sostienes, él sostiene, ellos sostienen) and has an irregular 'go' in the first person singular (yo sostengo). The preterite tense is also irregular (sostuve, sostuviste, sostuvo, sostuvimos, sostuvieron), reflecting the strong preterite pattern of 'tener'. The future and conditional tenses add a 'd' to the stem (sostendré, sostendría). Mastery of these forms is non-negotiable for fluent usage. Syntactically, 'sostener' is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. You must hold *something* or support *someone*. For example, in 'sostengo el vaso' (I hold the glass), 'el vaso' is the direct object. When referring to people, the personal 'a' is required, as in 'sostiene a su madre' (he supports his mother). This grammatical structure is consistent across its physical, financial, and intellectual meanings.

Transitive Usage: Always requires a direct object. You cannot simply 'sostener'; you must 'sostener' something or someone.

Por favor, ayúdame a sostener esta caja pesada.

In everyday conversation, 'sostener' is often used in collocations—words that frequently go together. 'Sostener una conversación' (to hold a conversation) is a very common phrase. It implies an active, ongoing dialogue rather than a brief exchange. 'Sostener una reunión' (to hold a meeting) is another frequent collocation in business contexts. When expressing opinions, 'sostener que' followed by a clause is the standard structure. For instance, 'El científico sostiene que el clima está cambiando' (The scientist maintains that the climate is changing). This structure is widely used in journalism, academic writing, and formal debates to attribute a claim or belief to someone. The reflexive form, 'sostenerse', is used when the subject supports itself. 'El edificio se sostiene gracias a sus fuertes cimientos' (The building stands/supports itself thanks to its strong foundations). It can also be used metaphorically: 'Su argumento no se sostiene' (His argument doesn't hold up).

Reflexive Form: 'Sostenerse' means to support oneself, to stand firm, or, for an argument, to be logically sound and valid.

El anciano usaba un bastón para sostenerse al caminar.

It is also important to distinguish 'sostener' from its close synonyms to use it accurately. While 'mantener' also means to maintain or keep, 'sostener' often implies a more physical or active effort to prevent something from falling or failing. 'Sujetar' is more about fastening or gripping tightly to prevent movement, whereas 'sostener' is about bearing weight. For example, you 'sujetas' a dog's leash so it doesn't run away, but you 'sostienes' a baby in your arms. In the context of opinions, 'defender' (to defend) is similar but 'sostener' focuses more on the continuous assertion of the claim rather than the active fighting against opponents. Understanding these subtle distinctions allows learners to choose the most precise verb for their intended meaning, elevating their Spanish from basic to advanced. Practice conjugating the irregular forms and using the verb in its various collocations to build fluency and confidence.

Conjugation Pattern: Follows the exact same irregular patterns as 'tener' across all tenses, moods, and persons.

Yo sostengo que la educación es la clave del éxito.

Ellos sostuvieron una larga charla en el café.

El muro fue construido para sostener la tierra de la colina.

The verb 'sostener' is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, appearing across a wide spectrum of contexts, from casual daily interactions to highly formal academic and legal discourse. Its presence is a testament to its fundamental utility in describing physical actions, social responsibilities, and intellectual assertions. In everyday, informal settings, you will frequently hear 'sostener' when people are asking for physical help. Phrases like '¿Me puedes sostener esto un momento?' (Can you hold this for a moment?) or 'Sostén la puerta, por favor' (Hold the door, please) are incredibly common. In these situations, it is often interchangeable with 'agarrar' or 'tener', though 'sostener' emphasizes the act of bearing the weight or keeping the object in a specific position. You will hear it in homes, supermarkets, public transport, and anywhere physical objects are being handled or moved. It is a practical, hands-on verb in these environments.

Everyday Physical Tasks: Commonly heard when asking someone to hold a bag, a door, a baby, or any physical object temporarily.

¿Puedes sostener mi chaqueta mientras me ato los zapatos?

Moving into professional and formal spheres, the usage of 'sostener' shifts towards its abstract and metaphorical meanings. In news broadcasts and journalism, it is a standard verb for reporting statements, claims, or ongoing situations. A news anchor might say, 'El gobierno sostiene que la economía está mejorando' (The government maintains that the economy is improving) or 'Los rebeldes sostienen el control de la ciudad' (The rebels maintain control of the city). In business environments, you will hear about 'sostener reuniones' (holding meetings) or 'sostener el crecimiento' (sustaining growth). In legal and academic contexts, 'sostener' is the verb of choice for defending a thesis or an argument. Lawyers 'sostienen' the innocence of their clients, and scholars 'sostienen' theories based on their research. This formal usage highlights the verb's capacity to convey a strong, continuous assertion or defense of a position.

News and Journalism: Frequently used to report what politicians, experts, or organizations claim or maintain to be true.

El informe sostiene que la contaminación ha disminuido este año.

Furthermore, 'sostener' is deeply embedded in discussions about family, society, and economics. In Latin America and Spain, conversations about the cost of living often involve the phrase 'sostener a la familia' (to support the family). You might hear someone explain that they need a second job to 'sostener los gastos del hogar' (sustain the household expenses). This usage underscores the financial weight and responsibility that individuals bear. In emotional contexts, particularly in literature, poetry, or deep conversations, 'sostener' describes providing emotional support. 'Ella me sostuvo durante mi enfermedad' (She supported me during my illness) conveys a profound sense of care and stability. Whether you are watching a telenovela, reading a broadsheet newspaper, attending a university lecture, or simply chatting with a neighbor, 'sostener' is a verb you will encounter repeatedly, adapting its meaning to fit the physical, intellectual, or emotional needs of the moment.

Family and Economics: Heard in discussions about the financial responsibility of providing for a household or dependents.

Con su salario mínimo, apenas puede sostener a sus hijos.

La enfermera tuvo que sostener al paciente para que no cayera.

El puente está diseñado para sostener vehículos de carga pesada.

When learning and using 'sostener', English speakers frequently encounter a few specific pitfalls, primarily stemming from false cognates, irregular conjugations, and subtle differences in meaning compared to similar Spanish verbs. The most prominent and problematic mistake is confusing 'sostener' with 'soportar'. Because 'soportar' looks and sounds like the English word 'to support', learners often use it when they mean to provide financial or physical support. However, in Spanish, 'soportar' generally means 'to tolerate', 'to put up with', or 'to bear' in a negative sense (e.g., 'No soporto este ruido' - I can't stand this noise). If you want to say 'I support my family financially', you must use 'sostener' (Sostengo a mi familia) or 'mantener' (Mantengo a mi familia). Saying 'Soporto a mi familia' implies that you merely tolerate their presence, which can lead to awkward or offensive misunderstandings. This false friend is a classic trap that requires conscious effort to avoid.

The 'Soportar' Trap: Never use 'soportar' to mean financial or emotional support. 'Soportar' means to tolerate or endure something unpleasant.

Incorrecto: Soporto a mi familia. Correcto: Sostengo a mi familia.

Another major area of difficulty lies in the conjugation of 'sostener'. Because it is a longer word, learners sometimes forget that it is a compound of 'tener' and attempt to conjugate it as a regular -er verb. This leads to incorrect forms like 'sosteno' instead of 'sostengo', 'sostenió' instead of 'sostuvo', or 'sosteneré' instead of 'sostendré'. It is crucial to mentally link 'sostener' directly to 'tener'. Whenever you are unsure of a form, think of how you would conjugate 'tener' in that tense and person, and simply add the prefix 'sos-'. For example, the preterite of 'tener' is 'tuve', so the preterite of 'sostener' is 'sostuve'. The subjunctive of 'tener' is 'tenga', so the subjunctive of 'sostener' is 'sostenga'. Failing to apply these irregular patterns instantly marks the speaker as a beginner and can sometimes obscure the meaning of the sentence, especially in the preterite and future tenses.

Conjugation Errors: Treating 'sostener' as a regular verb. Always apply the irregular stem changes and endings of 'tener'.

Ayer él sostuvo (no 'sostenió') la escalera para mí.

A third common mistake involves the nuanced difference between 'sostener', 'mantener', and 'sujetar'. While they can sometimes overlap, they are not always interchangeable. 'Sujetar' is best used for securing or fastening something tightly so it doesn't move or escape (e.g., sujetar el cinturón de seguridad - to fasten the seatbelt). 'Mantener' is broader and often refers to keeping something in a certain state or condition over time (e.g., mantener la calma - to keep calm). 'Sostener' is specifically about bearing weight, holding up, or actively defending a position. Using 'sostener' when 'sujetar' is more appropriate can sound unnatural. For example, you wouldn't typically say 'sostén al perro' if you mean 'grab the dog so it doesn't run away'; 'sujeta al perro' or 'agarra al perro' is better. 'Sostén al perro' would mean physically picking the dog up and holding its weight. Paying attention to these subtle semantic boundaries will greatly improve the naturalness and precision of your Spanish.

Overusing Sostener: Using 'sostener' for fastening or gripping tightly instead of 'sujetar', or for general maintenance instead of 'mantener'.

Es importante sostener tus principios en tiempos difíciles.

No puedo sostener esta bandeja, está muy caliente.

Ella sostiene que vio un ovni anoche.

The Spanish language offers a rich vocabulary for concepts related to holding, supporting, and maintaining, and 'sostener' exists within a web of closely related synonyms. Understanding the nuances of these similar words is essential for achieving fluency and precision. The most direct synonym is 'mantener'. Both verbs can mean to support financially (mantener/sostener a la familia) or to hold a conversation (mantener/sostener una conversación). However, 'mantener' has a broader application related to keeping something in a specific state or condition over time (e.g., mantener limpio - to keep clean, mantener la calma - to keep calm), whereas 'sostener' is more strongly associated with bearing physical weight or actively defending a position against opposition. Another close relative is 'apoyar'. 'Apoyar' means to support, but it is primarily used for emotional support, backing an idea, or physically resting something against something else (e.g., apoyar la cabeza - to rest one's head, apoyar a un candidato - to support a candidate). You would 'apoyar' a friend's decision, but you would 'sostener' a heavy box.

Mantener vs. Sostener: 'Mantener' is broader, focusing on keeping a state or condition. 'Sostener' focuses on bearing weight or actively defending a claim.

Debemos sostener nuestro argumento con pruebas sólidas.

When it comes to the physical act of holding, 'agarrar', 'sujetar', and 'tomar' are frequently used alongside 'sostener'. 'Agarrar' is a very common, somewhat colloquial verb meaning to grab, grasp, or catch. It emphasizes the action of the hands closing around an object. 'Sujetar' implies a firmer, more secure grip, often to prevent movement or escape, like fastening a seatbelt or holding down a flapping tarp. 'Tomar' is the most general verb for 'to take' or 'to hold' in one's hand, often used for lighter objects or the initial action of taking possession (e.g., tomar un vaso de agua). 'Sostener', in contrast to these three, specifically highlights the continuous effort of bearing the object's weight so it doesn't fall. You might 'agarrar' (grab) a falling vase, and then 'sostener' (hold/support) it carefully to put it back on the shelf. Understanding these physical distinctions helps paint a clearer picture of the action being described.

Sujetar vs. Sostener: 'Sujetar' is to secure or fasten tightly to prevent movement. 'Sostener' is to bear weight from below to prevent falling.

El gato intentó sostenerse de la rama, pero resbaló.

In intellectual or argumentative contexts, 'defender' and 'afirmar' are relevant synonyms. 'Defender' (to defend) is used when protecting an idea or a person from attack or criticism. 'Afirmar' (to affirm/state) is used to declare something as true. 'Sostener' bridges these two concepts; when you 'sostienes' a theory, you are both affirming its truth and implicitly defending it against doubt. It carries a sense of prolonged, steadfast assertion. Finally, it is crucial to reiterate the distinction from 'soportar', which means to tolerate or endure (e.g., soportar el dolor - to endure pain). While 'soportar' can occasionally mean to physically bear weight (like a structural beam), 'sostener' is the much more common and versatile verb for everyday physical and abstract support. By mapping out these synonyms and their specific territories of meaning, learners can navigate the Spanish vocabulary with greater confidence and select the perfect word for every situation.

Apoyar vs. Sostener: 'Apoyar' is for emotional backing or resting an object against a surface. 'Sostener' is for financial provision or bearing weight from below.

Me gusta sostener su mano cuando caminamos por el parque.

El gobierno prometió sostener los precios de los alimentos básicos.

Nadie puede sostener ese ritmo de trabajo por mucho tiempo.

How Formal Is It?

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비격식체

속어

난이도

알아야 할 문법

수준별 예문

Yo sostengo el libro.

I hold the book.

Present tense, first person singular (yo sostengo).

Ella sostiene la manzana.

She holds the apple.

Present tense, third person singular (ella sostiene).

Nosotros sostenemos la caja.

We hold the box.

Present tense, first person plural (nosotros sostenemos).

¿Puedes sostener mi vaso?

Can you hold my glass?

Infinitive used after the modal verb 'puedes'.

El niño sostiene su juguete.

The boy holds his toy.

Present tense, third person singular.

Sostén la puerta, por favor.

Hold the door, please.

Imperative (command) form for 'tú' (sostén).

Ellos sostienen las bolsas.

They hold the bags.

Present tense, third person plural (ellos sostienen).

Tú sostienes el paraguas.

You hold the umbrella.

Present tense, second person singular informal (tú sostienes).

Ayer sostuve a mi bebé.

Yesterday I held my baby.

Preterite tense, first person singular (yo sostuve).

La mesa sostiene los platos.

The table holds the plates.

Used to describe an object supporting weight.

Él trabaja para sostener a su familia.

He works to support his family.

Infinitive used for financial support.

Mi padre sostuvo la escalera.

My father held the ladder.

Preterite tense, third person singular (él sostuvo).

No puedo sostener esto, es muy pesado.

I can't hold this, it's very heavy.

Infinitive after 'puedo'.

Ellos sostuvieron la cuerda fuerte.

They held the rope tightly.

Preterite tense, third person plural (ellos sostuvieron).

El muro sostiene la tierra.

The wall holds the earth/dirt.

Present tense, describing structural support.

¿Quién sostuvo mi chaqueta?

Who held my jacket?

Preterite tense in a question.

Sostuvimos una larga conversación ayer.

We held a long conversation yesterday.

Preterite tense used with the abstract concept of a conversation.

El profesor sostiene que el examen será fácil.

The teacher maintains that the exam will be easy.

Present tense used to express an opinion or claim (sostiene que).

Es difícil sostener este ritmo de trabajo.

It is difficult to sustain this pace of work.

Infinitive used to mean 'maintain' or 'sustain' an effort.

Ella se sostenía con un bastón.

She supported herself with a cane.

Imperfect tense, reflexive form (se sostenía) for physical self-support.

Dudo que él sostenga esa mentira.

I doubt he will maintain that lie.

Present subjunctive (sostenga) triggered by 'Dudo que'.

El puente no sostendría tanto peso.

The bridge would not hold so much weight.

Conditional tense (sostendría).

Sostendré mi promesa pase lo que pase.

I will keep/maintain my promise no matter what.

Future tense (sostendré).

Necesitamos dinero para sostener el proyecto.

We need money to sustain the project.

Infinitive used for financial sustainability.

El abogado sostuvo la inocencia de su cliente.

The lawyer maintained his client's innocence.

Preterite tense used in a formal, legal context.

Su argumento no se sostiene bajo escrutinio.

His argument doesn't hold up under scrutiny.

Reflexive form used metaphorically for logical validity.

Han sostenido una relación a distancia por años.

They have maintained a long-distance relationship for years.

Present perfect tense (han sostenido).

Me pidió que sostuviera la reunión en su lugar.

He asked me to hold the meeting in his place.

Imperfect subjunctive (sostuviera) triggered by a past request.

Es vital sostener el crecimiento económico.

It is vital to sustain economic growth.

Infinitive used in an impersonal, formal expression.

Ella le sostuvo la mirada sin parpadear.

She held his gaze without blinking.

Idiomatic expression 'sostener la mirada'.

Si no lo hubieras sostenido, se habría caído.

If you hadn't held it, it would have fallen.

Pluperfect subjunctive (hubieras sostenido) in a conditional sentence.

La empresa se sostiene gracias a las exportaciones.

The company sustains itself thanks to exports.

Reflexive present tense for economic self-sufficiency.

El autor sostiene la tesis de que la historia es cíclica.

The author maintains the thesis that history is cyclical.

Formal academic usage to state a central argument.

Fue imperativo que se sostuviera el alto el fuego.

It was imperative that the ceasefire be sustained.

Imperfect subjunctive in a passive/impersonal construction.

Sostener tal afirmación requiere pruebas irrefutables.

To maintain such a claim requires irrefutable proof.

Infinitive used as the subject of the sentence.

La infraestructura apenas se sostiene en pie.

The infrastructure is barely standing/holding up.

Reflexive phrase 'sostenerse en pie' used to describe precarious stability.

A pesar de las críticas, sostuvo su postura estoicamente.

Despite the criticism, he maintained his position stoically.

Preterite used with an adverb to describe unwavering defense.

El ecosistema no podrá sostenerse si continúa la tala.

The ecosystem will not be able to sustain itself if logging continues.

Future tense with reflexive pronoun for ecological sustainability.

Habiendo sostenido a su familia sola, conocía el sacrificio.

Having supported her family alone, she knew sacrifice.

Perfect participle (habiendo sostenido) used in an advanced clause.

El pilar central, que sostiene la cúpula, es de mármol.

The central pillar, which supports the dome, is made of marble.

Relative clause providing descriptive architectural detail.

La tensión narrativa se sostiene magistralmente hasta el clímax.

The narrative tension is masterfully sustained until the climax.

Reflexive passive used in literary criticism.

Es una falacia lógica que no se sostiene ante el menor análisis.

It is a logical fallacy that does not hold up to the slightest analysis.

Advanced metaphorical use of 'sostenerse' for logical rigor.

Sostuvo una correspondencia epistolar con el filósofo durante décadas.

He maintained an epistolary correspondence with the philosopher for decades.

Formal vocabulary ('correspondencia epistolar') combined with the verb.

El tenor sostuvo la nota aguda con una pureza sobrecogedora.

The tenor held the high note with overwhelming purity.

Used in a musical context to describe maintaining a sound.

Ni siquiera el andamiaje teórico más robusto podría sostener tal despropósito.

Not even the most robust theoretical scaffolding could support such nonsense.

Highly abstract, metaphorical use involving 'andamiaje' (scaffolding).

Sostenerse en el poder requirió una red de alianzas frágiles.

Staying in power required a network of fragile alliances.

Infinitive reflexive used as a noun phrase ('Sostenerse en el poder').

La mirada que se sostuvieron reveló un abismo de rencores pasados.

The gaze they held with each other revealed an abyss of past resentments.

Reciprocal reflexive use ('se sostuvieron') in a literary description.

Que la economía se sostenga es, a estas alturas, un milagro estadístico.

That the economy is sustaining itself is, at this point, a statistical miracle.

Present subjunctive in a complex noun clause acting as the subject.

자주 쓰는 조합

sostener la mirada

sostener una conversación

sostener una reunión

sostener una teoría

sostener a la familia

sostener el peso

sostener una postura

sostener un argumento

sostener el equilibrio

sostener el crecimiento

자주 쓰는 구문

sostener que...

sostenerse en pie

no poder sostener

sostener una charla

sostener el ritmo

difícil de sostener

sostener con firmeza

sostener la respiración

sostener el techo

sostener a los hijos

자주 혼동되는 단어

sostener vs soportar (to tolerate/endure)

sostener vs mantener (to keep/maintain a state)

sostener vs sujetar (to fasten/grip tightly)

관용어 및 표현

혼동하기 쉬운

sostener vs

문장 패턴

사용법

nuance

Implies a continuous effort against a force (gravity, poverty, opposition).

context

Highly versatile. Use it for physical weight, financial provision, and intellectual defense. It is slightly more formal than 'agarrar' but completely normal in everyday speech.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'soportar' instead of 'sostener' to mean financial or physical support.
Conjugating it as a regular verb (e.g., saying 'sosteno' instead of 'sostengo').
Forgetting the e-to-ie stem change in the present tense (e.g., saying 'sostenes' instead of 'sostienes').
Using 'sostener' when 'sujetar' (to fasten/grip) is more appropriate.
Failing to use the personal 'a' when referring to supporting a person (e.g., saying 'sostener la familia' instead of 'sostener a la familia').

팁

The 'Tener' Rule

Always link 'sostener' to 'tener' in your mind. This will save you from making conjugation errors in the preterite (sostuve) and future (sostendré) tenses.

Avoid the 'Soportar' Trap

Write down 'Sostener = Support (Money/Weight)' and 'Soportar = Tolerate (Annoyance)'. Review this until it becomes second nature to avoid the false friend.

Use for Opinions

Elevate your spoken Spanish in debates by using 'Yo sostengo que...' instead of always using 'Yo creo que...' or 'Yo pienso que...'. It sounds much more authoritative.

Listen for the Reflexive

When watching Spanish news or debates, listen for 'no se sostiene'. It's a very common way native speakers dismiss a weak argument or a lie.

Academic Writing

In essays, 'sostener' is your best friend for citing sources. 'El investigador sostiene la hipótesis de que...' is a perfect, high-level sentence structure.

Learn Chunks

Don't just learn the word; learn the chunks. Memorize 'sostener a la familia', 'sostener la mirada', and 'sostener una conversación' as single units of vocabulary.

Stress the End

Remember that as an infinitive, the stress falls on the final syllable: sos-te-NER. In the present tense 'yo' form, it shifts: sos-TEN-go.

Weight vs. Grip

If you are carrying a heavy box, you are 'sosteniendo' it. If you are grabbing a thief's arm so he doesn't run, you are 'sujetando' him. Know the difference.

Sostener el tipo

Learn the phrase 'sostener el tipo'. It means to keep your composure or keep up appearances in a difficult or embarrassing situation.

Command Practice

Practice the imperative form 'sostén' (hold). It's very useful in daily life. 'Sostén esto' (Hold this), 'Sostén la puerta' (Hold the door).

암기하기

기억법

Think of SOS-TENER. If someone sends an SOS, you have to TENER (hold/support) them up to save them.

어원

Latin

문화적 맥락

Calling someone the 'sostén' of a project or family implies they are the indispensable pillar keeping everything from collapsing.

In some regions, 'agarrar' is preferred for casual physical holding, reserving 'sostener' for heavier objects or formal contexts. In Spain, 'sujetar' is very common for holding things still.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"¿Qué opinas? ¿Puedes sostener esa teoría con pruebas?"

"¿Es difícil sostener a una familia grande hoy en día?"

"¿Me puedes sostener el bolso mientras busco las llaves?"

"¿Cómo logras sostener la calma en situaciones estresantes?"

"¿Crees que la economía podrá sostener este nivel de inflación?"

일기 주제

Escribe sobre una vez que tuviste que sostener a un amigo emocionalmente.

¿Cuáles son tus argumentos para sostener tu opinión sobre el cambio climático?

Describe un objeto muy pesado que tuviste que sostener. ¿Cómo te sentiste?

¿Qué significa para ti ser el 'sostén' de una familia?

Escribe una historia donde alguien tiene que sostener un secreto importante.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

This is the most common confusion. 'Sostener' means to physically hold, financially support, or maintain an argument. 'Soportar' means to tolerate, endure, or put up with something unpleasant. Never use 'soportar' to say you support your family financially; use 'sostener' or 'mantener'.

'Sostener' conjugates exactly like the verb 'tener'. You just add the prefix 'sos-'. So, 'tengo' becomes 'sostengo', 'tienes' becomes 'sostienes', 'tuve' becomes 'sostuve', and 'tendré' becomes 'sostendré'. If you know 'tener', you know 'sostener'.

Yes, but it's less common than 'apoyar'. You can say 'Ella me sostuvo durante la crisis' (She supported me during the crisis), which gives a strong image of someone keeping you from falling apart. However, 'apoyar' is the more standard verb for general emotional backing.

It is an idiomatic expression that translates to 'to hold someone's gaze' or 'to stare someone down'. It implies looking directly into someone's eyes without looking away, often showing confidence, defiance, or intense emotion.

It is versatile. In the context of holding a physical object (Sostén mi vaso), it is completely normal and everyday. In the context of arguments (El autor sostiene que...), it is formal and academic. It adapts to the situation.

The most direct noun is 'el sostén', which means a support or prop. Interestingly, in many Spanish-speaking countries, 'el sostén' is also the standard word for a woman's bra (brassiere), as it supports. 'El sostenimiento' is used for the act of maintaining or supporting financially.

You can use 'sostener'. 'Sostener una reunión' is a very common and professional way to say 'to hold a meeting'. You can also use 'tener una reunión' or 'celebrar una reunión'.

Use 'sujetar' when the focus is on gripping something tightly so it doesn't move, escape, or flap around (like fastening a seatbelt or holding a dog's collar). Use 'sostener' when the focus is on bearing the weight of something so it doesn't fall to the ground.

'Sostenerse' means to support oneself or to stand firm. Physically, an old man might 'sostenerse' with a cane. Metaphorically, an argument might 'sostenerse' (hold up) under questioning. If an argument is bad, you say 'no se sostiene'.

Yes. Words like 'sostenible' (sustainable) and 'sostenibilidad' (sustainability) come from this root. You can talk about 'sostener el medio ambiente' or 'sostener un ecosistema', meaning to keep it viable and healthy over time.