mantener
verbCEFR B2High frequency
What does “mantener” mean in English?
to maintain, to uphold
to maintain, to uphold (to hold a position firm under counter-argument; mantener que + indicative)
Example sentences
Mantengo que la solución propuesta es insuficiente, a pesar de los argumentos presentados esta mañana.
I maintain that the proposed solution is insufficient, despite the arguments presented this morning.
El gobierno sigue manteniendo que la reforma es necesaria, aunque la oposición la rechaza de plano.
The government continues to maintain that the reform is necessary, even though the opposition rejects it outright.
¿Sigue usted manteniendo su postura inicial después de escuchar todos los argumentos expuestos?
Do you still maintain your initial position after hearing all the arguments presented?
How to use it
Mantener (una postura/opinión/argumento) means 'to maintain', 'to hold', or 'to uphold' a position in debate. It signals that the speaker is not backing down despite opposition: 'Mantengo que…', 'Seguimos manteniendo que…'. Pattern: mantener que + indicative (the speaker is asserting the truth of the position). Note: mantener has many other meanings (to maintain a machine, to support financially, to keep up a relationship) — context makes the debate usage clear. This debate sense is emphatically assertive and marks resistance to counterargument.
Common mistake
Mantener que in the debate sense always takes indicative: the speaker is asserting a claim as true, not expressing doubt or command. Don't confuse with sostener (near-synonym, slightly more formal) or afirmar (to state/assert, less about persisting under pressure). The verb mantener is irregular: mantengo in the first-person present (following the tener pattern). 'Mantengo mi postura' (I maintain my position) vs. 'mantengo el coche' (I maintain the car) — different sense, same verb.