Apoyar vs. soportar vs. sostener
While apoyar, soportar, and sostener can all be translated as to support in English, they have distinct meanings in Spanish. Apoyar refers to emotional backing or leaning, soportar means to tolerate or bear a burden, and sostener is used for physically holding something up or maintaining an idea.
Apoyar
A2This word means to support in a figurative or emotional sense, like backing a person, a team, or an idea. It can also mean to physically lean or rest something on a surface.
Mis padres siempre me apoyan en mis estudios.
(My parents always support me in my studies.)
Yo apoyo al equipo local de fútbol.
(I support the local soccer team.)
No apoyes los codos en la mesa durante la cena.
(Don't rest your elbows on the table during dinner.)
Apoyó la cabeza en mi hombro y se quedó dormido.
(He rested his head on my shoulder and fell asleep.)
Vamos a la manifestación para apoyar la causa.
(We are going to the demonstration to support the cause.)
Soportar
B1This word means to put up with, tolerate, or endure something negative, like pain, a difficult situation, or an annoying person. Physically, it means to bear a heavy weight or pressure, often implying a struggle.
Ya no soporto a mi vecino ruidoso.
(I can't stand my noisy neighbor anymore.)
El puente fue diseñado para soportar terremotos.
(The bridge was designed to withstand earthquakes.)
Tuvo que soportar mucho dolor después de la operación.
(He had to endure a lot of pain after the surgery.)
La estantería no puede soportar tanto peso.
(The bookshelf cannot bear so much weight.)
No soporto que me mientan.
(I can't tolerate being lied to.)
Sostener
B2This word primarily means to physically hold something up to prevent it from falling. Figuratively, it means to maintain a state (like a conversation) or to affirm an argument or point of view.
Necesito que alguien sostenga la escalera mientras subo.
(I need someone to hold the ladder while I climb.)
Las columnas de mármol sostienen el techo del templo.
(The marble columns hold up the temple roof.)
El científico sostiene que su teoría es correcta.
(The scientist maintains that his theory is correct.)
Sostuvo la mirada del juez sin parpadear.
(He held the judge's gaze without blinking.)
Es difícil sostener una conversación con una persona que no escucha.
(It's difficult to maintain a conversation with a person who doesn't listen.)
Summary
In short: use apoyar for emotional support or leaning on something. Use soportar for tolerating something negative or bearing a heavy, difficult load. Use sostener for physically holding something up or maintaining/affirming an idea.