Understanding how to express the verb to tolerate in Spanish is helpful in both casual and formal conversations. Whether you are describing your patience with someone’s behavior or discussing social issues, the right translation can make a big difference. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as relationships, politics, personal opinions, or even when talking about dietary restrictions. By learning the appropriate Spanish equivalent, you’ll be able to communicate more precisely and express emotions with greater nuance. This guide explores the meaning of to tolerate in Spanish, its various uses, and practical examples to boost your vocabulary.
Translation of To Tolerate in Spanish
The most direct translation of to tolerate in Spanish istolerar.It is a regular verb and is widely used across different Spanish-speaking countries. The structure of the verb is straightforward, and it is conjugated in a regular -ar verb pattern, making it easy to learn and apply in different tenses.
Examples of Tolerar in Sentences
- Yo no puedotolerarese ruido todo el dÃa.
I can’t tolerate that noise all day. - Ellatoleraopiniones distintas a las suyas.
She tolerates opinions different from her own. - Nosotrostoleramosel calor porque no tenemos aire acondicionado.
We tolerate the heat because we don’t have air conditioning.
As seen above, tolerar works in many of the same scenarios where you’d use to tolerate in English. It expresses the act of enduring something unpleasant or accepting something without interference.
Synonyms of Tolerar in Spanish
While tolerar is the most common and accurate word for to tolerate, other Spanish verbs can express similar ideas, depending on the tone or situation. Here are a few examples:
- Aguantar– Often used in informal speech, meaning to bear or endure something uncomfortable or unpleasant.
- Soportar– Similar to aguantar, used to convey putting up with someone or something. This can sound stronger or even more negative depending on context.
- Permitir– Means to allow or permit. In some contexts, it overlaps with tolerance, particularly when talking about allowing behavior.
Comparison of Synonyms
Let’s look at how these verbs compare when used in a sentence:
- No puedoaguantarmás este trabajo.
I can’t bear this job anymore. - Nosoportoa esa persona.
I can’t tolerate that person. - No voy apermitirque me hables asÃ.
I won’t tolerate you talking to me like that.
All these expressions show some level of tolerance or the refusal thereof, but the emotion and intensity behind the words vary. Tolerar stays more neutral, while soportar and aguantar often imply emotional strain or annoyance.
Grammatical Use of Tolerar
Tolerar is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. You always toleratesomethingorsomeone. Here’s how you might conjugate it in different tenses:
Present Tense Conjugation
- Yo tolero
- Tú toleras
- Ãl/Ella/Usted tolera
- Nosotros toleramos
- Vosotros toleráis
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes toleran
Past Tense (Preterite) Conjugation
- Yo toleré
- Tú toleraste
- Ãl/Ella/Usted toleró
- Nosotros toleramos
- Vosotros tolerasteis
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes toleraron
Being familiar with these conjugations helps you use the verb fluently in conversation and writing, particularly when narrating experiences or expressing boundaries.
Using Tolerar in Real-Life Situations
Social and Political Tolerance
In discussions involving acceptance, diversity, or freedom, the word tolerar appears frequently. For example:
- Debemostolerarlas diferencias culturales para vivir en paz.
We must tolerate cultural differences to live in peace.
This use of tolerar reflects a higher value of respect and social harmony. It emphasizes the importance of peaceful coexistence and non-discrimination.
Personal Boundaries
In relationships or daily interactions, tolerar helps express personal limits:
- No voy atolerarmás mentiras.
I will not tolerate any more lies.
In this context, the verb serves as a way to assert one’s boundaries or standards in communication and behavior.
Physical or Mental Endurance
When speaking about enduring something physically or emotionally, tolerar may also be used, though sometimes soportar or aguantar fits better:
- Mi cuerpo notolerala lactosa.
My body does not tolerate lactose.
This kind of sentence is common in medical or health-related contexts, referring to the body’s tolerance of substances or medications.
Common Phrases with Tolerar
- Tolerar una situación– to tolerate a situation
- Tolerar el dolor– to tolerate pain
- No tolerar la injusticia– not to tolerate injustice
- Tolerar una opinión diferente– to tolerate a different opinion
These expressions illustrate the flexibility of the verb and how it aligns with various aspects of everyday life, from emotional to physical tolerance.
Practice Tips
To improve your ability to use tolerar naturally in Spanish, try the following:
- Watch Spanish TV shows or movies and listen for how tolerar is used in conversations.
- Write your own sentences using the verb in different tenses and contexts.
- Engage in conversations or language exchanges where you practice expressing limits or social tolerance.
The more you interact with real-life examples of the word tolerar, the more confident you’ll become in using it accurately and effectively.
Learning how to say to tolerate in Spanish enriches your ability to express complex emotions and ideas, especially when dealing with personal boundaries, diversity, or endurance. The primary verb tolerar is easy to conjugate and widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions. Understanding its synonyms like soportar and aguantar also allows for greater flexibility and emotional depth in your speech. Whether you are having deep discussions or casual chats, mastering this verb will help you communicate with clarity and precision.