aguentar

Senses

1. 1.

   to stand, endure, bear

   to tolerate or withstand something difficult or unpleasant

2. 2.

   to hold up, support

   to physically support or keep something in place

3. 3.

   to last, hold out

   to remain in a given state or condition without breaking or failing

4. 4.

   to handle, cope with

   to manage or deal with a challenging situation or person

Examples

• "Não aguento mais essa situação."

  I can't stand this situation anymore.

• "A ponte não aguenta o peso desse caminhão."

  The bridge can't support the weight of that truck.

• "Ele aguentou firme durante toda a prova."

  He held up well throughout the entire test.

Usage

Aguentar is a very common everyday verb in Brazilian Portuguese. It frequently appears in negative contexts ("não aguento," "não aguenta") to express frustration or inability to tolerate something. Can be used reflexively (aguentar-se) meaning "to hold on" or "to keep oneself upright."