Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Hold in Spanish: Sostener / Agarrar
Sostener · verb · sohs-teh-NEHR
The Spanish verb 'sostener' means to hold something up or support it physically. 'Agarrar' is a more informal verb meaning to grab or grip tightly. 'Mantener' is used when 'hold' means to maintain or keep in a certain state. The correct translation depends on the type of holding action being described.
Pronounce 'sostener' as sohs-teh-NEHR, with stress on the final syllable. 'Agarrar' is ah-gah-RRAHR, with a rolled 'rr' and stress on the last syllable.
¿Puedes sostener mi bolso un momento mientras busco las llaves?
Can you hold my bag for a moment while I look for the keys?
Hold in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for hold, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| sostener | hold | sohs-teh-NEHR | Default, widely understood |
| agarrar | hold | informal, emphasizes gripping firmly | |
| mantener | hold | used for maintaining a position or state |
How Native Speakers Use Sostener
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Physical holding
Agarra la cuerda con las dos manos para no caerte.
Hold the rope with both hands so you don't fall.
Giving safety instructions during a climbing activity.
Holding a position
Mantén la postura durante treinta segundos.
Hold the pose for thirty seconds.
Yoga or exercise instruction.
Phone conversation
Por favor, mantenga la línea; lo transfiero al departamento correcto.
Please hold the line; I am transferring you to the correct department.
Customer service phone interaction.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Sostener
Using tener instead of sostener
Incorrect: Tengo el bebé en mis brazos.
Correct: Sostengo al bebé en mis brazos.
'Tener' means to have or possess, while 'sostener' means to physically hold or support something in your hands or arms.
Forgetting the stem change
Incorrect: Yo sosten la puerta.
Correct: Yo sostengo la puerta.
'Sostener' follows the conjugation pattern of 'tener,' requiring the first-person present form 'sostengo' with the added '-g-.'
Lock in Hold Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Sostener used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using sostener in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear ¿Puedes sostener mi bolso un momento mientras busco las llaves? while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
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Common Questions About Hold in Spanish
- How do I say 'hold on' in Spanish?
- Depending on context, you can say 'espera' (wait), 'aguanta' (hang in there), or 'no cuelgues' (don't hang up) when on the phone.
- What is the difference between 'sostener' and 'sujetar'?
- Both mean to hold, but 'sujetar' emphasizes securing something in place so it doesn't move, while 'sostener' focuses on supporting or bearing the weight of something.
- Can 'mantener' mean 'hold' in every context?
- The verb 'mantener' works for holding a state, position, or conversation, but it does not work for physically holding an object in your hands — use 'sostener' or 'agarrar' for that.