Ask a Question

(Create a thread)
Go Back   Spanish language learning forums > Spanish & English Languages > Grammar


Soportar vs aguantar

 

This is the place for questions about conjugations, verb tenses, adverbs, adjectives, word order, syntax and other grammar questions for English or Spanish.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old November 30, 2019, 04:39 AM
Tyrn Tyrn is offline
Pearl
 
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 352
Native Language: Russian
Tyrn is on a distinguished road
Soportar vs aguantar

Hi,

These two verbs are pretty similar in meaning. Is there a clear and concise way to separate connotations? Some expressions, for instance, where these verbs are not interchangeable.
Reply With Quote
   
Get rid of these ads by registering for a free Tomísimo account.
  #2  
Old November 30, 2019, 10:13 PM
AngelicaDeAlquezar's Avatar
AngelicaDeAlquezar AngelicaDeAlquezar is offline
Obsidiana
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 9,038
Native Language: Mexican Spanish
AngelicaDeAlquezar is on a distinguished road
Both "soportar" and "aguantar" are synonymous when they mean to bear the weight of something (literally or metaphorically), or to tolerate.

- Esta estructura no soporta/aguanta mucho peso.
This structure can't bear too much weight.

- No soporto/aguanto a Juan.
I can't stand Juan.

- Te entiendo. Siempre tienes que aguantar/soportar los abusos.
I empathize. You always have to bear the abuse.

- No me digas que no; mi corazón no lo soportaría/aguantaría.
Don't reject me; my heart wouldn't be able to take it.


They are not synonymous though, when the verb "aguantar" means to restrain or to contain:

- Aguanté las ganas de llorar para que no me vieran débil.
I held back the tears so they wouldn't see I was weak.

- Si el jinete no hubiera aguantado el caballo con las dos manos, me habría pisoteado.
If the rider wouldn't have had held the horse with both hands, it would have trampled me.

- ¿Cuánto aguantas la respiración bajo el agua?
How long can you hold your breath under the water?
__________________
Ain't it wonderful to be alive when the Rock'n'Roll plays...

Last edited by AngelicaDeAlquezar; December 01, 2019 at 11:39 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old December 01, 2019, 01:38 AM
Tyrn Tyrn is offline
Pearl
 
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 352
Native Language: Russian
Tyrn is on a distinguished road
Thanks!
Reply With Quote
Reply

 

Link to this thread
URL: 
HTML Link: 
BB Code: 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Site Rules

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Aguantar el pulso poli Translations 3 May 25, 2011 12:06 PM
Soportar DailyWord Daily Spanish Word 20 January 20, 2010 06:14 AM
Aguantar aún el empuje de poli Idioms & Sayings 6 January 09, 2009 10:24 PM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:49 AM.

Forum powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

X