Tolerarse

Tolerarse is a Spanish pronominal verb formed from tolerar. It means to tolerate, endure, or accept with patience, either in a reciprocal sense between people or in reference to oneself. When used reflexively, it can indicate mutual tolerance in a relationship (nos toleramos) or self-acceptance (me tolero tal como soy).

Usage and nuances

Tolerarse is commonly used to describe interpersonal dynamics, especially the ability of individuals to coexist without conflict. It can express a moderate, defensive, or corrective tolerance rather than enthusiastic acceptance. In reflexive form, it sometimes conveys self-tolerance or self-acceptance, as in actitud de tolerarse a sí mismo, though more common phrases emphasize acceptance or self-esteem.

Conjugation and examples

Tolerarse is a regular -ar verb in its reflexive forms. Present indicative: me tolero, te toleras, se tolera, nos toleramos, os toleráis, se toleran. Examples: “Entre colegas hay que tolerarse para trabajar bien.” “Ellos se toleran mutuamente, aunque no son amigos.” “Me tolero tal como soy.” Preterite and imperfect forms follow the standard patterns of -ar verbs with the corresponding reflexive pronouns.

Related concepts

Tolerarse is closely related to soportar and aguantar, which emphasize endurance, and to tolerancia, the broader quality of being tolerant. It is used in both casual speech and more formal contexts to discuss interpersonal harmony or self-acceptance.

See also: tolerancia, tolerancia interpersonal, soportar, aguantar.