When you're discussing ideas or arguments in Spanish, you might hear or use the verb sustentar. It's like saying you support or uphold a point of view. Think of it as providing the foundation for an idea, keeping it strong and valid. For example, if someone presents an argument, you might sustentar it with evidence. It's a useful word for expressing that something has a good basis.
§ Don't Confuse "Sustentar" with Physical Support
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with "sustentar" is trying to use it for physical support. Remember, "sustentar" is about supporting an idea, an argument, a theory, or even a family financially. It's not about holding up a table or a roof.
- DEFINITION
- To support or uphold (an argument or theory).
If you want to say something physically supports something else, you should use verbs like "soportar," "aguantar," or "sostener."
Su argumento se sustenta en pruebas sólidas. (His argument is upheld by solid evidence.)
El pilar sostiene el techo. (The pillar supports the roof.)
§ Using "Sustentar" for Financial Support
While "sustentar" can mean to provide for or maintain a family, it's often used in a more formal or somewhat elevated context when referring to financial support. For everyday financial support, you might hear "mantener" more frequently.
- Sustentar (formal/general): To provide for, maintain.
- Mantener (common/everyday): To maintain, support (financially).
Es difícil sustentar una familia numerosa hoy en día. (It's difficult to support a large family nowadays.)
Él mantiene a sus hijos con dos trabajos. (He supports his children with two jobs.)
§ Incorrect Tense or Mood Usage
As with any verb, using the correct tense and mood is crucial. "Sustentar" is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations follow typical patterns. Errors often arise from directly translating English verb tenses without considering the Spanish equivalents.
- DEFINITION
- To support or uphold (an argument or theory).
For example, don't use the simple present when the subjunctive is required, or confuse the preterite with the imperfect.
- Incorrect: "Espero que ellos sustentan mi idea." (I hope that they support my idea.)
- Correct: "Espero que ellos sustenten mi idea." (The subjunctive is needed after expressions of hope.)
Ellos sustentaron su hipótesis con muchos datos. (They supported their hypothesis with a lot of data.)
How Formal Is It?
"El profesor defendió su hipótesis con rigor científico."
"Necesitamos más pruebas para apoyar esta afirmación."
"No puedes aguantar esa idea sin algo que la demuestre."
"Podemos ayudar a nuestra idea con buenos ejemplos."
"No me puedes bancar esa historia que me estás contando."
수준별 예문
La evidencia sustenta su hipótesis.
The evidence supports his hypothesis.
Here, 'sustenta' is used in the third-person singular present tense.
Es difícil sustentar esa teoría sin más pruebas.
It's difficult to uphold that theory without more proof.
'Sustentar' is used in its infinitive form here, following 'difícil'.
Sus argumentos no sustentan su conclusión.
His arguments do not support his conclusion.
'Sustentan' is in the third-person plural present tense, agreeing with 'argumentos'.
Necesitamos más datos para sustentar esta afirmación.
We need more data to support this claim.
Again, 'sustentar' is used as an infinitive after 'para'.
El estudio busca sustentar la importancia de la educación.
The study seeks to uphold the importance of education.
'Sustentar' is an infinitive following 'busca'.
Ellos sustentaron su posición con hechos.
They supported their position with facts.
'Sustentaron' is in the third-person plural preterite tense.
No pudo sustentar sus acusaciones.
He could not uphold his accusations.
'Sustentar' is an infinitive after the conjugated verb 'pudo'.
La filosofía intenta sustentar principios morales.
Philosophy tries to uphold moral principles.
Here, 'sustentar' is in its infinitive form, following 'intenta'.
El estudio busca sustentar la hipótesis de que la exposición temprana a un segundo idioma mejora las habilidades cognitivas.
The study aims to support the hypothesis that early exposure to a second language improves cognitive abilities.
Here, 'sustentar' is used in the infinitive after 'busca' (it seeks to...).
Para sustentar su argumento, el abogado presentó varias pruebas irrefutables ante el tribunal.
To uphold his argument, the lawyer presented several irrefutable proofs before the court.
'Para sustentar' means 'in order to support' or 'to uphold'.
Es difícil sustentar una teoría sin datos empíricos que la respalden.
It is difficult to sustain a theory without empirical data to back it up.
This construction uses the infinitive 'sustentar' as the subject of the sentence.
La comunidad científica se esfuerza por sustentar sus afirmaciones con investigación rigurosa.
The scientific community strives to support its claims with rigorous research.
'Esforzarse por sustentar' means 'to strive to support'.
Sus acciones deben sustentar las palabras que pronuncia, demostrando coherencia.
Your actions should uphold the words you speak, demonstrating consistency.
'Deben sustentar' indicates an obligation or strong recommendation: 'should uphold'.
El informe económico intentó sustentar la decisión de aumentar los impuestos, explicando su necesidad.
The economic report tried to support the decision to raise taxes, explaining its necessity.
'Intentó sustentar' means 'it tried to support'.
El nuevo descubrimiento podría sustentar viejas teorías que antes carecían de evidencia sólida.
The new discovery could uphold old theories that previously lacked solid evidence.
'Podría sustentar' implies possibility: 'could uphold'.
Es crucial sustentar los valores democráticos para garantizar la estabilidad de la nación.
It is crucial to uphold democratic values to ensure the stability of the nation.
'Es crucial sustentar' emphasizes the importance of upholding something.
La evidencia reciente viene a sustentar nuestra hipótesis inicial sobre el cambio climático.
Recent evidence comes to uphold our initial hypothesis about climate change.
Here, 'sustentar' is used in the sense of providing evidence or backing for a hypothesis.
Es crucial sustentar estas afirmaciones con datos concretos para que sean creíbles.
It is crucial to support these claims with concrete data so that they are credible.
'Sustentar' is used reflexively in 'sustentar estas afirmaciones', meaning to support these claims.
El fiscal intentó sustentar su acusación con testimonios contradictorios, lo cual debilitó su caso.
The prosecutor tried to support his accusation with contradictory testimonies, which weakened his case.
In this sentence, 'sustentar' refers to the act of providing legal backing for an accusation.
Para sustentar la viabilidad del proyecto, presentaron un análisis de mercado exhaustivo.
To support the project's viability, they presented a comprehensive market analysis.
'Sustentar la viabilidad' implies providing justification or proof of something's feasibility.
Los nuevos descubrimientos arqueológicos sustentan la teoría de una civilización antigua en la región.
The new archaeological discoveries support the theory of an ancient civilization in the region.
Here, 'sustentan' shows that the discoveries provide factual backing for a theory.
Es difícil sustentar un argumento si no se tienen bases sólidas sobre el tema.
It is difficult to uphold an argument if one does not have solid foundations on the topic.
This example highlights the necessity of a strong foundation to 'sustentar' an argument.
Su prestigio profesional se sustenta en años de investigación y publicaciones científicas.
His professional prestige is upheld by years of research and scientific publications.
'Se sustenta en' is a reflexive construction meaning 'is based on' or 'is supported by'.
El propósito del ensayo es sustentar la importancia de la educación bilingüe en la sociedad actual.
The purpose of the essay is to support the importance of bilingual education in current society.
In this context, 'sustentar la importancia' means to argue for or demonstrate the importance of something.
자주 혼동되는 단어
Use 'apoyar' when talking about supporting a person, a cause, or providing financial aid. Do not use 'sustentar' for this.
Use 'sostener' for physically holding something. 'Sustentar' does not mean to hold in this way.
Use 'sostener' or 'mantener' when talking about sustaining a level of effort, a conversation, or a condition. 'Sustentar' is not appropriate here.
관용어 및 표현
"Sustentar una idea"
To support an idea
Necesitamos más pruebas para sustentar nuestra idea. (We need more proof to support our idea.)
neutral"Sustentar una familia"
To support a family (financially)
Trabaja duro para sustentar a su familia. (He works hard to support his family.)
neutral"Sustentar un edificio"
To support a building (structurally)
Las columnas sustentan el peso del edificio. (The columns support the weight of the building.)
neutral"Sustentar una afirmación"
To back up a claim
No hay datos que sustenten su afirmación. (There is no data to back up his claim.)
neutral"Sustentar un derecho"
To uphold a right
La ley sustenta el derecho a la libre expresión. (The law upholds the right to free expression.)
formal"Sustentar la vida"
To sustain life
El agua es esencial para sustentar la vida. (Water is essential for sustaining life.)
neutral"Sustentar una acusación"
To support an accusation
Las pruebas no fueron suficientes para sustentar la acusación. (The evidence was not enough to support the accusation.)
formal"Sustentar una tesis"
To defend a thesis
El estudiante debe sustentar su tesis ante el jurado. (The student must defend their thesis before the jury.)
formal"Sustentar con argumentos"
To support with arguments
Necesitas sustentar tu punto de vista con argumentos sólidos. (You need to support your point of view with solid arguments.)
neutral"Sustentar un peso"
To bear a weight
La viga no podía sustentar tanto peso. (The beam could not bear so much weight.)
neutral혼동하기 쉬운
'Sostener' can mean 'to hold' or 'to sustain,' which might seem similar to 'sustentar.'
'Sostener' is about physically holding something or maintaining something in existence. 'Sustentar' is about providing evidence or justification for an idea.
Ella sostiene el libro. (She holds the book.) / Necesito sostener mi nivel de español. (I need to sustain my Spanish level.)
'Apoyar' means 'to support' in the sense of giving aid or backing, which can be easily mixed up with 'sustentar's' meaning of upholding.
'Apoyar' is about providing help, encouragement, or financial support. 'Sustentar' is specifically about providing evidence or reasoning to strengthen an argument or theory.
Mis amigos me apoyan en mis decisiones. (My friends support me in my decisions.) / Apoyamos a la causa. (We support the cause.)
'Defender' means 'to defend,' and when you defend an argument, you are also, in a way, upholding it. This can cause confusion.
'Defender' implies protecting something from attack or criticism. While 'sustentar' can be part of defending an argument, 'sustentar' is the act of providing the foundation or proof, whereas 'defender' is the act of protecting it.
Él defiende sus ideas con pasión. (He defends his ideas with passion.) / Ella defiende su tesis. (She defends her thesis.)
'Mantener' can mean 'to maintain' or 'to keep,' which could be confused with 'sustentar' when thinking about maintaining an idea or theory.
'Mantener' is about keeping something in a certain state or condition. 'Sustentar' is about providing the basis or evidence for something.
Él mantiene la casa limpia. (He keeps the house clean.) / Queremos mantener la paz. (We want to maintain peace.)
'Fundamentar' also means 'to base' or 'to found,' which is very close to 'sustentar' in meaning when talking about arguments.
These two are very similar. 'Fundamentar' often refers to laying the foundation or basis for something. 'Sustentar' focuses more on the ongoing evidence or reasoning that upholds it. They can often be used interchangeably in the context of arguments, but 'sustentar' emphasizes the active support.
Mi teoría se fundamenta en pruebas. (My theory is based on evidence.) / Necesitas fundamentar tu argumento. (You need to base your argument.)
어휘 가족
명사
형용사
셀프 테스트 60 질문
Listen to a common Spanish greeting.
Listen for a simple sentence about possession.
Listen to a question asking about age.
Read this aloud:
Me llamo María.
Focus: ll
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
Quiero agua, por favor.
Focus: qu
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Adiós, hasta luego.
Focus: ad
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Choose the best translation for 'sustentar' in the context of supporting an idea.
'Sustentar' specifically means to support or uphold an argument or theory, not physical actions like eating, sleeping, or running.
Which sentence uses 'sustentar' correctly?
The correct use of 'sustentar' here is 'to support her opinion with facts'. The other options don't make sense with the meaning of 'sustentar'.
If you 'sustentas una idea', what are you doing?
'Sustentar' means to support or uphold, so 'sustentar una idea' means to support an idea.
You can use 'sustentar' to talk about holding a heavy box.
'Sustentar' is used for supporting abstract things like arguments or theories, not physical objects.
If someone 'sustenta su argumento', they are presenting reasons to believe it.
To 'sustentar un argumento' means to provide evidence or reasons to support it.
The word 'sustentar' means the same as 'comer' (to eat).
'Sustentar' means to support or uphold, which is very different from 'comer' (to eat).
She supports the theory with a lot of evidence.
Can you support your argument with facts?
It's difficult to uphold that idea without proof.
Read this aloud:
Yo sustento esta opinión.
Focus: sustento
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
Ellos sustentan su creencia.
Focus: sustentan
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
¿Sustentas lo que dices?
Focus: sustentas
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The prosecutor presented strong evidence to support their case.
It is fundamental to support your arguments with verifiable facts.
The research seeks to uphold the scientist's hypothesis.
Read this aloud:
Intenta sustentar tu opinión con ejemplos claros.
Focus: sustentar
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Necesitamos sustentar nuestra propuesta con datos económicos.
Focus: nuestra propuesta
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
El objetivo es sustentar un debate constructivo.
Focus: constructivo
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Los científicos buscan pruebas que puedan ___ su hipótesis sobre el cambio climático.
To 'sustentar' means to support or uphold an argument or theory, which fits the context of scientists looking for evidence for their hypothesis.
Es crucial que cada afirmación en el informe se pueda ___ con datos verificables.
The sentence implies that every statement needs to be supported by verifiable data, making 'sustentar' the correct choice.
El abogado presentó nuevas evidencias para ___ la inocencia de su cliente.
An attorney would present evidence to support the innocence of their client, hence 'sustentar' is the most appropriate verb.
La falta de argumentos sólidos hace difícil ___ esta teoría económica.
Without solid arguments, it becomes challenging to support or uphold an economic theory. 'Sustentar' fits this context perfectly.
Su investigación busca ___ la idea de que la educación es clave para el desarrollo social.
The research aims to support the idea that education is crucial for social development, making 'sustentar' the correct verb.
La nueva evidencia logró ___ la validez de los resultados anteriores.
New evidence would typically support or uphold the validity of previous results, so 'sustentar' is the best fit here.
Choose the best synonym for 'sustentar' in the context of supporting an argument.
'Apoyar' means to support, which is the closest synonym to 'sustentar' when discussing arguments or theories.
Which sentence uses 'sustentar' correctly?
In this context, 'sustentar' means to uphold an argument, which fits the sentence about the prosecutor and solid evidence.
What is the most appropriate translation of 'sustentar una teoría'?
'Sustentar una teoría' means to support or uphold a theory, providing evidence or reasoning for it.
The verb 'sustentar' can be used to describe physically supporting a heavy object.
'Sustentar' primarily refers to supporting an abstract idea, argument, or theory, not a physical object. For physical support, verbs like 'sostener' or 'apoyar' are more common.
If you 'sustentas tu posición' in a debate, you are providing evidence to back up your viewpoint.
To 'sustentar una posición' means to provide evidence or reasoning to support and validate your stance or viewpoint in a discussion or debate.
The word 'sustentar' implies a lack of evidence for an argument.
On the contrary, 'sustentar' implies providing strong evidence or reasoning to strengthen and uphold an argument, theory, or idea.
The speaker is discussing scientific evidence and a hypothesis.
The context involves making claims and convincing a jury.
The sentence talks about arguments and a lack of sufficient proof.
Read this aloud:
Su teoría carece de datos para sustentarla de manera convincente.
Focus: sustentarla, convincente
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Debes sustentar tus decisiones con un análisis exhaustivo de las alternativas.
Focus: sustentar, exhaustivo, alternativas
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
El experto pudo sustentar cada punto de su presentación con ejemplos claros.
Focus: sustentar, presentación, claros
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explica cómo la evidencia científica puede sustentar una teoría en el campo de la medicina. (Explain how scientific evidence can support a theory in the medical field.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
La evidencia científica, obtenida a través de experimentos y estudios rigurosos, es fundamental para sustentar una teoría en la medicina. Por ejemplo, los resultados de ensayos clínicos demuestran la eficacia de un tratamiento, lo que sustenta la teoría de que ese tratamiento es beneficioso para los pacientes.
Describe un argumento que hayas usado recientemente y las razones que lo sustentaban. (Describe an argument you've used recently and the reasons that supported it.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Recientemente, defendí la idea de que es importante aprender un nuevo idioma. Mis razones para sustentar este argumento fueron que abre nuevas oportunidades laborales, mejora la función cognitiva y permite una mejor comprensión de otras culturas.
Redacta un párrafo corto sobre la importancia de sustentar nuestras opiniones con hechos verificables. (Write a short paragraph about the importance of supporting our opinions with verifiable facts.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Es crucial sustentar nuestras opiniones con hechos verificables para darles credibilidad y solidez. Sin un respaldo fáctico, nuestras ideas pueden ser fácilmente refutadas y carecer de peso en cualquier discusión o debate, haciendo que nuestros argumentos sean débiles e ineficaces.
¿Qué elemento fue fundamental para sustentar la inocencia del cliente?
Read this passage:
El abogado presentó una serie de pruebas irrefutables para sustentar la inocencia de su cliente. Cada documento y cada testimonio contribuían a fortalecer su argumento, dejando poco espacio para la duda. La estrategia del abogado se basaba en la lógica y en la presentación de datos concretos.
¿Qué elemento fue fundamental para sustentar la inocencia del cliente?
El pasaje indica claramente que el abogado presentó 'una serie de pruebas irrefutables para sustentar la inocencia de su cliente'.
El pasaje indica claramente que el abogado presentó 'una serie de pruebas irrefutables para sustentar la inocencia de su cliente'.
¿Qué acción fue clave para que el científico pudiera sustentar su hipótesis?
Read this passage:
A pesar de las críticas iniciales, el científico logró sustentar su hipótesis con años de investigación y experimentos exitosos. Su persistencia y la solidez de sus datos eventualmente convencieron a la comunidad científica de la validez de su trabajo. Fue un ejemplo de cómo el rigor científico puede prevalecer.
¿Qué acción fue clave para que el científico pudiera sustentar su hipótesis?
El texto menciona que 'el científico logró sustentar su hipótesis con años de investigación y experimentos exitosos', lo cual fue clave para su éxito.
El texto menciona que 'el científico logró sustentar su hipótesis con años de investigación y experimentos exitosos', lo cual fue clave para su éxito.
¿En qué debería sustentar el presidente sus decisiones según el pasaje?
Read this passage:
El presidente del país debe sustentar sus decisiones en el bienestar de la ciudadanía, no en intereses personales o partidistas. La transparencia y la rendición de cuentas son pilares esenciales para que sus acciones sean legítimas y cuenten con el apoyo del pueblo. Es un deber inherente a su cargo.
¿En qué debería sustentar el presidente sus decisiones según el pasaje?
El pasaje establece que 'el presidente del país debe sustentar sus decisiones en el bienestar de la ciudadanía'.
El pasaje establece que 'el presidente del país debe sustentar sus decisiones en el bienestar de la ciudadanía'.
The scientific evidence can completely uphold this theory. 'Sustentar' refers to providing support or evidence for a claim or theory.
It's difficult to support a position without solid arguments. 'Sustentar' here means to maintain or defend a standpoint.
Their research helped to uphold the importance of early education. 'Sustentar' indicates providing evidence to confirm the significance of something.
El abogado presentó pruebas contundentes para ___ la inocencia de su cliente.
In this context, 'sustentar' means to support or uphold an argument, which aligns with the lawyer presenting evidence for their client's innocence.
La nueva teoría científica busca ___ los hallazgos previos con una perspectiva innovadora.
'Sustentar' here implies providing support for existing findings, even with a new approach.
Los datos económicos más recientes ___ la necesidad de implementar reformas fiscales.
The economic data 'sustentan' (support) the need for fiscal reforms.
Una investigación exhaustiva puede sustentar una hipótesis, incluso si los resultados son contradictorios.
If results are contradictory, they cannot sustain or support a hypothesis; they would likely challenge or refute it.
El propósito de un argumento sólido es sustentar una conclusión mediante evidencias lógicas y relevantes.
A strong argument aims to 'sustentar' (uphold/support) its conclusion with logical and relevant evidence.
La falta de pruebas concretas puede sustentar una acusación grave en un tribunal.
The absence of concrete evidence cannot 'sustentar' (support) a serious accusation in court; it would weaken it.
/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
관련 콘텐츠
이 단어를 다른 언어로
academic 관련 단어
a fin de
B1In order to; with the aim of.
a mi parecer
B1In my opinion; to my mind.
a partir de
B1Starting from; based on; as of.
abordar
B2To address or tackle a topic, problem, or situation. In a literal sense, it can also mean to board a ship or approach someone to speak.
abstracción
B1The quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
abstractamente
B1In an abstract manner; in theory rather than in practice.
abstracto
B1Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
abstracto/a
B2Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
abstraer
B1To extract or remove (something); to form a general idea or quality.
académicamente
B2In an academic manner; in terms of academic performance or study.
