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Do you soportar your friend’s terrible singing? No way! While soportar may look like the English word ‘support’, it actually means to endure or withstand.

Are you tired of mixing up the meanings of certain Spanish words? Look no further!

In this post, I’ll explore the meaning of soportar and give you some words you can use instead.

Get ready to learn and have some fun along the way!

The Meaning of Soportar

Soportar is a verb that means “to endure” or “to bear.” It is used to describe the action of tolerating or putting up with something that is difficult or unpleasant. For example:

• No puedo soportar el olor a pescado.
  (I can’t stand the smell of fish.)
• Esta chaqueta es muy cómoda, puedo soportarla durante horas.
  (This jacket is very comfortable, I can wear it for hours.)
• No soportaría vivir en un lugar sin aire acondicionado.
  (I couldn’t stand living in a place without air conditioning.)
• Mi abuela soportó el dolor de la artritis durante años.
  (My grandmother put up with the pain of arthritis for years.)
• Este zapato es demasiado apretado, no puedo soportarlo.
  (This shoe is too tight, I can’t stand it.)

It is also often used to describe an object or structure that is able to hold up or withstand a load or force. For example, a bridge might “soportar” the weight of several cars crossing over it, or a building might “soportar” the pressure of strong winds. Some examples:

• El puente no soportó el peso del camión y se derrumbó.
  (The bridge couldn’t support the weight of the truck and collapsed.)
• El ascensor de mi edificio soporta una capacidad máxima de hasta 10 personas.
  (The elevator in my building can support a maximum capacity of up to 10 people.)

What You Should Use Instead

There are a few different words you can use instead of soportar when you want to talk about supporting someone or something in Spanish. Here are a few options:

Apoyar

This verb means to support or back someone or something up. You can use it to describe both physical and emotional support.

• Yo apoyo a mi familia financieramente.
  (I support my family financially.)
• Ellos apoyan a las causas que creen importantes.
  (They support causes they believe in.)
• La empresa apoyó a los empleados con un programa de capacitación.
  (The company supported its employees with a training program.)
• Estoy apoyando a mi amigo mientras atraviesa un momento difícil.
  (I’m supporting my friend as he goes through a difficult time.)

Ayudar

This verb means to help or assist someone. You can use it when you want to describe someone who is providing support to another person.

• Puedes ayudarme a llevar estas cajas al coche?
  (Can you help me carry these boxes to the car?)
• ¿Puedes ayudarme a entender esta lección de español?
  (Can you help me understand this Spanish lesson?)
• Mi hermano siempre me ayuda con mis tareas.
  (My brother always helps me with my homework.)
• ¿Podrías ayudarme a cocinar la cena esta noche?
  (Could you help me cook dinner tonight?)
• Mi amigo me ayudó a encontrar un nuevo trabajo.
  (My friend helped me find a new job.)

Mantener

This verb means to keep or maintain something. You can use it when you want to describe someone who is providing support to something so that it stays in place or continues to function.

• Mi abuelo me enseñó a mantener la casa limpia y ordenada.
  (My grandfather taught me how to keep the house clean and tidy.)
• El equipo de ingenieros está trabajando para mantener la estructura del edificio segura.
  (The team of engineers is working to maintain the building’s structure safe.)
• El jardinero mantiene el jardín en perfectas condiciones.
  (The gardener keeps the garden in perfect condition.)
• Trato de mantener una dieta saludable.
  (I try to maintain a healthy diet.)

Great job learning about the differences between soportar, ayudar, mantener and apoyar!

And don’t forget about ayudar and mantener too. These words might look similar, but they each have their own unique meanings.

Remember!

Soportar means to put up with or endure something.

Apoyar means to support or help someone.

Ayudar means to help or assist.

And mantener means to maintain or keep something.

With these words under your belt. You’ll be able to communicate more effectively in Spanish and impress your friends and colleagues with your language skills. Keep up the good work!

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