In 15 Seconds
- A strong way to say 'I maintain that' or 'I stand by'.
- Use it to defend an opinion against disagreement or doubt.
- Perfect for meetings, debates, or serious personal discussions.
Meaning
This is a strong way to say 'I maintain' or 'I stand by the fact that.' Use it when you want to defend an opinion or a statement you've made previously, even if others disagree.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
Sustento que esta é a melhor estratégia para o mercado brasileiro.
I maintain that this is the best strategy for the Brazilian market.
Debating with a friend about a movie
Sustento que o livro é muito melhor que o filme.
I maintain that the book is much better than the movie.
Defending your actions to a partner
Sustento que fiz o que era certo naquela situação.
I stand by the fact that I did what was right in that situation.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the importance of 'honra' (honor) and 'palavra' (one's word) in Lusophone cultures. To 'sustain' a statement is to put your personal credibility behind it. It is frequently used by commentators on Portuguese talk shows to signal a definitive stance.
Pair it with 'Ainda'
Add 'Ainda' (Still) before 'sustento' if you want to show that despite everyone's arguments, you haven't budged an inch.
Don't overdo it
If you use this for every single sentence, you might come across as argumentative or 'teimoso' (stubborn). Save it for your big points!
In 15 Seconds
- A strong way to say 'I maintain that' or 'I stand by'.
- Use it to defend an opinion against disagreement or doubt.
- Perfect for meetings, debates, or serious personal discussions.
What It Means
Sustento que is your verbal anchor. It means you aren't just sharing an opinion. You are holding your ground. It comes from the verb sustentar, which means to support or prop up. When you use it, you're telling people your argument has solid legs. It’s like saying, "I’ve thought about this, and I’m not changing my mind."
How To Use It
You use it to introduce a clause. Just say Sustento que followed by your belief. It works perfectly when someone challenges you. If a friend says your favorite team is bad, you drop this. It adds a layer of conviction. It’s more powerful than a simple Acho que (I think that). Use it when you want to sound firm but articulate.
When To Use It
This phrase shines in debates or serious discussions. Use it in a business meeting to defend a strategy. Use it during a dinner party when discussing movies or politics. It’s great for writing, too. If you're sending a long email explaining a decision, this phrase makes you look confident. It shows you have evidence to back your claims.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for light, trivial things. Saying Sustento que a pizza está fria sounds a bit too dramatic. Avoid it in very casual slang-heavy chats with teenagers. It might sound a bit stiff there. Also, don't use it if you are unsure. If you use sustento, people expect you to have proof. Using it for a guess makes you look a bit silly.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value a good, passionate debate. Whether it's about football or history, being able to 'sustain' an argument is respected. It reflects a culture that enjoys intellectual exchange. Historically, it has roots in formal rhetoric and legal language. Today, it has moved into everyday speech for anyone who wants to sound persuasive.
Common Variations
You might hear Mantenho que which is very similar. Some people say Defendo a ideia de que for a more academic feel. In a more casual setting, you might just hear Bato o pé que. But Sustento que remains the gold standard for firm conviction. It’s the perfect balance of sophisticated and strong.
Usage Notes
The phrase sits comfortably in the 'neutral' to 'formal' range. It is grammatically straightforward but carries significant rhetorical weight. Avoid using it for trivial observations to prevent sounding overly dramatic.
Pair it with 'Ainda'
Add 'Ainda' (Still) before 'sustento' if you want to show that despite everyone's arguments, you haven't budged an inch.
Don't overdo it
If you use this for every single sentence, you might come across as argumentative or 'teimoso' (stubborn). Save it for your big points!
The 'Bater o pé' alternative
In very casual Brazil, if you want to say you are sustaining an opinion stubbornly, you can use the idiom 'bater o pé' (to stomp one's foot).
Examples
6Sustento que esta é a melhor estratégia para o mercado brasileiro.
I maintain that this is the best strategy for the Brazilian market.
Shows professional confidence and commitment to a plan.
Sustento que o livro é muito melhor que o filme.
I maintain that the book is much better than the movie.
A classic debate where you refuse to back down.
Sustento que fiz o que era certo naquela situação.
I stand by the fact that I did what was right in that situation.
Used to show moral conviction in a personal matter.
Sustento que pizza com abacaxi é uma heresia!
I maintain that pineapple on pizza is heresy!
Using a strong phrase for a lighthearted topic creates a funny effect.
Ainda sustento que viajar em maio é mais barato.
I still maintain that traveling in May is cheaper.
The word 'ainda' adds emphasis that your opinion hasn't changed.
Sustento que os dados apontam para uma mudança climática real.
I maintain that the data points toward real climate change.
Provides a strong thesis statement for a formal paper.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the phrase of conviction.
Eu ___ que a educação é a base de tudo.
The verb 'sustentar' fits perfectly here to show you are defending a core belief.
Which word often follows 'Sustento' to connect it to an idea?
Sustento ___ a nossa equipe precisa de mais tempo.
'Que' is the conjunction used to introduce the statement you are sustaining.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of 'Sustento que'
Bato o pé que...
I'm stubborn about...
Sustento que...
I maintain that...
Pugno pela tese de que...
I contend for the thesis that...
Where to use 'Sustento que'
Job Interview
Defending your skills.
Family Dinner
Arguing about history.
Courtroom/Legal
Stating a legal position.
Social Media
Asserting an opinion.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEu ___ que a educação é a base de tudo.
The verb 'sustentar' fits perfectly here to show you are defending a core belief.
Sustento ___ a nossa equipe precisa de mais tempo.
'Que' is the conjunction used to introduce the statement you are sustaining.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. While Acho que is a simple opinion, Sustento que is much stronger and implies you are ready to defend your view.
Yes, but it will make you sound very serious about the topic. For example: Sustento que aquele restaurante é ruim.
It is used in both! It's a standard expression across the entire Lusophone world.
They are almost identical. Mantenho que is slightly more common in everyday speech, while Sustento que sounds a bit more argumentative.
No, in this context it's for ideas. To say you are physically supporting something, you'd just use the verb sustentar without the que.
Usually no. Since you are stating something you believe to be a fact, you use the indicative. Example: Sustento que ele é inocente.
Probably! Unless you are playfully debating something, it might make you seem a bit intense.
You would say Sustento o que disse or Mantenho a minha palavra.
Yes, you can say Sustentei que... (I maintained that...) to describe a past stance you took.
Forgetting the que. Without it, the sentence is incomplete. Always say Sustento QUE... followed by your full thought.
Related Phrases
Mantenho que
I maintain that
Bater o pé
To insist stubbornly
Defender a tese
To defend the thesis/idea
Dar o braço a torcer
To give in / admit you're wrong (usually used in the negative)
