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"Sostener" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to hold", and "sujetar" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to hold". Learn more about the difference between "sostener" and "sujetar" below.
sostener(
sohs
-
teh
-
nehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to grasp)
2. (to defend)
a. to support
No se puede sostener una afirmación como esa sin argumentos sólidos.You can't support such a statement without solid arguments.
b. to hold
Los expertos sostienen que las inversiones aumentarán con las nuevas medidas.Experts hold that investments will increase thanks to the new measures.
c. to back up
Necesitas más datos para sostener la hipótesis que planteas.You need more data to back up the hypothesis you're offering.
3. (to sustain)
a. to bear
La azotea no puede sostener más de dos personas.The roof terrace can't bear more than two people.
b. to support
Las columnas que sostienen el edificio son de estilo jónico.The columns that support the building are ionic style.
c. to hold up
Tuvieron que poner unas vigas para sostener las paredes tras la explosión.They had to put up some joists to hold up the walls after the explosion.
a. to support
Luke, el hijo mayor, es quien sostiene a toda su familia.Luke, the eldest son, is the one who supports his whole family.
b. to maintain
La inflación es tan alta que no me alcanza el sueldo para sostenerme.Inflation is so high that my salary is not enough for me to maintain myself.
a. to hold
Los acreedores no están dispuestos a sostener conversaciones sobre la cuestión.Creditors are not willing to hold talks on the issue.
b. to have
Los jugadores sostuvieron una larga discusión por la polémica decisión del árbitro.The players had a long argument over the referee's controversial decision.
6. (music)
a. to hold
La cantante no logró sostener el do en la segunda aria de la ópera.The singer didn't manage to hold the C in the second aria of the opera.
b. to sustain
Tienes que aprender a controlar la respiración para sostener esa notas.You have to learn to control your breathing to sustain those notes.
a. to keep up
Trata de sostener el ritmo de carrera lo más que puedas.Try to keep up your running speed as long as possible.
b. to sustain
No podemos sostener esta situación de incertidumbre durante mucho tiempo.We can't sustaining this uncertain situation for very long.
sostenerse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
8. (to stay up)
b. to stand
Quedó tan cansada después de correr la maratón que no se podía sostener en pie.She was so tired after running the marathon that she could hardly stand.
a. to remain
El gobernante se sostuvo en el poder a pesar de la inconformidad del pueblo.The ruler remained in power despite the people's dissent.
a. to support oneself
La institución se sostiene a través de sus ventas.The institution supports itself through its sales.
a. to hold
La hipótesis no se sostendrá si no encuentran nuevas pruebas.The hypothesis won't hold if new evidence isn't found.
sujetar(
soo
-
heh
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to grasp)
a. to hold
¿Puedes sujetar mi mochila mientras abro la puerta?Can you hold my backpack while I open the door?
b. to hold in place
Puedes sujetar los documentos con este clip.You can hold the documents in place with this paperclip.
c. to conquer (formal)
Los romanos sujetaron a la mayoría de Europa y el Medio Oriente.The Romans conquered much of Europe and the Middle East.
sujetarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
4. (to hold on)
a. to hold on
Sujétate el sombrero para que el viento no se lo lleve.Hold on to your hat so the wind doesn't carry it away.
b. to hold in place
Ella se sujeta el cabello con un listón amarillo.She holds her hair in place with a yellow ribbon.
a. to abide by
Me voy a sujetar a la voluntad de la mayoría.I am going to abide by the will of the majority.
