aguentarse

Aguentar-se is a Portuguese verb that generally translates to "to hold oneself," "to endure," or "to bear up." It is a reflexive verb, meaning the action is directed back at the subject. Its usage can vary depending on context, often implying a struggle or the act of maintaining composure or physical stability.

In a physical sense, aguentar-se can mean to remain standing or upright, especially when facing a difficult situation like strong winds or a slippery surface. For example, "Ele mal se aguentava em pé" means "He could barely stay on his feet." It can also refer to the body's ability to withstand pain or fatigue, such as in "O corpo não se aguenta mais" which translates to "The body can't take it anymore."

Beyond the physical, aguentar-se is frequently used to describe emotional resilience. It signifies the act of persevering through hardship, sadness, or stress without giving in to despair. Someone might say "Eu preciso me aguentar" to express the need to remain strong and cope with a difficult emotional state. In this sense, it implies self-control and mental fortitude. The phrase often conveys a sense of inner strength required to face challenges.