Significado de keep en inglés
keepkeep1 /kiːp/ verb (past tense and past participle kept /kept/) 
Ver todas las traducciones1not change [linking verb, transitive] to stay in a particular state, condition, or position, or to make someone or something do thispermanecer en un estado, condición o posición determinados, o hacer que alguien o algo permanezca asíkeep (somebody/something) warm/safe/dry etc
We huddled around the fire to keep warm.Nos apiñamos alrededor del fuego para mantenernos calientes.keep calm/awake/sane etc I was struggling to keep awake.Luchaba por mantenerme despierto.keep something clean/tidy Keep your room tidy.Mantén tu habitación ordenada.keep somebody busy/amused/occupied some toys to keep the kids amusedalgunos juguetes para entretener a los niños You won’t be able to keep it secret forever.No podrás mantenerlo en secreto para siempre. Peter cycles to work to keep fit.Peter va al trabajo en bicicleta para mantenerse en forma. Don’t keep us in suspense any longer!¡No nos tengas en suspenso más tiempo!keep (somebody/something) away/back/off/out etc The police put up barriers to keep the crowds back.La policía colocó barreras para mantener a la multitud a distancia. If I were you, I’d keep away from that area at night.Si fuera tú, me mantendría alejado de esa zona por las noches. a sign saying ‘Danger: Keep Out’un letrero que dice "Peligro: Prohibido el paso" The little boy kept close to his mother.El niño se mantuvo cerca de su madre.keep (somebody) out of something Keep him out of trouble.Mantenlo alejado de los problemas. You keep out of this, Mother (=do not get involved). It’s no concern of yours.Tú mantente al margen, mamá (=no te involucres). No es asunto tuyo. How can I cut your hair if you won’t keep still!¡Cómo voy a cortarte el pelo si no te quedas quieto!keep left/right (=stay to the left or right of a path or road as you move)(=mantenerse a la izquierda o a la derecha de un camino o carretera al avanzar)keep somebody/something doing something Jane kept the engine running.Jane mantuvo el motor en marcha.GRAMMAR: Linking verbsGRAMÁTICA: Verbos copulativosKeep is used as a linking verb in this meaning. It links the subject of the sentence with an adjective: · I try to keep busy.· The fruit will keep fresh for several weeks.En este significado, keep se usa como verbo copulativo y conecta el sujeto de la oración con un adjetivo: · Trato de mantenerme ocupado. · La fruta se mantendrá fresca durante varias semanas.2continue doing something [intransitive] (also keep on) to continue doing something or to do the same thing many timescontinuar haciendo algo o hacer lo mismo muchas veceskeep (on) doing something I keep thinking about Joe, all alone in that place.Sigo pensando en Joe, completamente solo en ese lugar. I keep telling you, but you won’t listen!¡Te lo sigo diciendo, pero no quieres escuchar! She pretended not to hear, and kept on walking.Fingió no oír y siguió caminando.GRAMMARGRAMÁTICAKeep is followed by an -ing form, not an infinitive. You say: · He kept talking to me. ✗Don’t say: He kept to talk to me.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSkeep va seguido de la forma en -ing, no del infinitivo. Se dice: · He kept talking to me. ✗No se dice: He kept to talk to me.Guía gramatical — VERBOS3not give back [transitive] to have something and not give it back to the person who had it beforequedarse con algo y no devolvérselo a quien lo tenía antes: You can keep it. I don’t need it anymore.Puedes quedártelo. Ya no lo necesito.4not lose [transitive] to continue to have something and not lose it or get rid of itseguir teniendo algo y no perderlo ni deshacerse de ello: We decided to keep our old car instead of selling it.Decidimos quedarnos con el auto viejo en lugar de venderlo. I kept his letters for years.Guardé sus cartas durante años. In spite of everything, Robyn’s managed to keep her sense of humor.A pesar de todo, Robyn ha logrado conservar su sentido del humor.5store something [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to leave something in one particular place so that you can find it easilydejar algo en un lugar determinado para poder encontrarlo fácilmente: Where do you keep your teabags?¿Dónde guardas las bolsitas de té? George kept a bottle of whiskey under his bed.George guardaba una botella de whisky debajo de su cama.6make somebody stay in a place [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to make someone stay in a place, especially a prison or hospitalhacer que alguien permanezca en un lugar, especialmente una prisión u hospital: He was kept in prison for a week without charge.Lo mantuvieron en prisión durante una semana sin cargos.7delay somebody [transitive] to delay someoneretener a alguien, hacerle llegar tarde: He should be here by now. What’s keeping him?Ya debería estar aquí. ¿Qué lo estará entreteniendo?8do what you promised [transitive] to do what you have promised or agreed to documplir lo que se ha prometido o acordadokeep your word/promise How do I know you’ll keep your word?¿Cómo sé que vas a cumplir tu palabra? patients who fail to keep their appointmentspacientes que no acuden a sus citas9keep a secret to not tell anyone about a secret that you knowno contarle a nadie un secreto que uno conoce: Can I trust you to keep a secret?¿Puedo confiar en que guardarás el secreto?10keep something quiet/keep quiet (about something) to not say anything in order to avoid telling a secret or causing problemsno decir nada para evitar revelar un secreto o causar problemas11keep a record/account/diary etc to regularly record written information somewhereregistrar información escrita en algún lugar de manera regular12keep going a)keep (somebody) going to have or to give someone enough hope and emotional strength to continue living and doing things in a bad situationtener o dar a alguien suficiente esperanza y fortaleza emocional para seguir viviendo y actuando en una situación difícil: That woman’s been through such a lot – I don’t know how she keeps going.Esa mujer ha pasado por tanto que no sé cómo sigue adelante. Her letters were the only thing that kept me going while I was in prison.Sus cartas eran lo único que me mantenía en pie mientras estaba en prisión. b)keep (something) going if you keep a business, institution, regular event etc going, you keep it open or make it continue to happensi mantienes en marcha un negocio, una institución, un evento regular, etc., lo mantienes abierto o haces que siga ocurriendo: The library costs £5 million a year to run, and the council can’t afford to keep it going.La biblioteca cuesta 5 millones de libras al año en gastos de funcionamiento, y el ayuntamiento no puede permitirse mantenerla en marcha. c)keep going to continue doing something difficultseguir haciendo algo difícil: Persevere and keep going until you reach your ideal weight.Persevera y sigue adelante hasta alcanzar tu peso ideal. d)keep somebody going if something keeps you going, it is enough to satisfy your need while you are waiting to get something bigger or bettersi algo te mantiene en marcha, es suficiente para satisfacer tu necesidad mientras esperas obtener algo mayor o mejor: I’ll have a biscuit to keep me going until dinner time.Voy a comer una galleta para aguantar hasta la hora de cenar.13food [intransitive] if food keeps, it stays fresh enough to be eatensi un alimento se conserva, permanece suficientemente fresco para comerse: Eat the salmon because it won’t keep till tomorrow.Come el salmón porque no se conservará hasta mañana.14animals [transitive] to own and look after animalstener y cuidar animales: We keep chickens and a couple of pigs.Criamos gallinas y un par de cerdos.15stop other people from using something [transitive] to stop other people from using something, so that it is available for someoneimpedir que otros usen algo para que esté disponible para alguien SYN save: Will you keep a seat for me?¿Me guardarás un asiento?16keep somebody waiting to make someone wait before you meet them or see themhacer esperar a alguien antes de recibirlo o verlo: Sorry to keep you waiting – I got stuck in a meeting.Disculpa la espera; me quedé atascado en una reunión.17keep guard/watch to guard a place or watch around you all the timevigilar un lugar o estar pendiente de los alrededores en todo momento18shop [transitive] British English old-fashionedanticuado to own a small business and work in ittener un pequeño negocio y trabajar en él19provide somebody with things [transitive] to provide someone with money, food etcproporcionar a alguien dinero, comida, etc.: He did not earn enough to keep a wife and children.No ganaba suficiente para mantener a su esposa y sus hijos.keep somebody in something There’s enough money there to keep you in champagne for a year!¡Hay suficiente dinero para tenerte en champán durante un año!20protect [transitive] formalformal to guard or protect someoneguardar o proteger a alguien: The Lord bless you and keep you.El Señor te bendiga y te guarde. His only thought was to keep the child from harm.Su único pensamiento era proteger al niño de cualquier daño.21keep goal/wicket to be the player in a team whose job is to protect the goal or wicketser el jugador del equipo cuya función es proteger la portería o el wicket → goalkeeper, wicket keeperSPOKEN PHRASES22 keep quiet used to tell someone not to say anything or make any noisese usa para decirle a alguien que no hable ni haga ruido: Keep quiet! I’m trying to watch the game.¡Cállate! Estoy tratando de ver el partido.23 how are you keeping? used to ask if someone is wellse usa para preguntar cómo está alguien: ‘Hi, Mark! How are you keeping?’ ‘Oh, not so bad.’"¡Hola, Mark! ¿Cómo estás?" "Oh, no tan mal."24 keep your hair/shirt on! used to tell someone to be more calm, patient etcse usa para decirle a alguien que sea más tranquilo, más paciente, etc.25somebody can keep something used to say that you do not want or are not interested in somethingse usa para decir que uno no quiere algo o no está interesado en ello: She can keep her wild parties and posh friends – I like the quiet life.Que se quede con sus fiestas escandalosas y sus amigos elegantes; a mí me gusta la vida tranquila.26 it’ll keep used to say that you can tell someone something or do something laterse usa para decir que se puede contar algo o hacer algo más tarde: ‘I don’t have time to listen now.’ ‘Don’t worry, it’ll keep.’"Ahora no tengo tiempo de escuchar." "No te preocupes, puede esperar."THESAURUSSINÓNIMOS– Meaning 5— Significado 5keep to leave something in one particular place so that you can find it easilydejar algo en un lugar determinado para poder encontrarlo fácilmente: · Where do you keep the scissors?· ¿Dónde guardas las tijeras?· The keys are kept in my office.· Las llaves se guardan en mi oficina.store to put things away and keep them until you need themguardar cosas y conservarlas hasta que se necesiten: · Villagers have begun storing wood for the winter.· Los aldeanos han empezado a almacenar madera para el invierno.save to keep something so that you can use or enjoy it in the futureguardar algo para poder usarlo o disfrutarlo en el futuro: · He had been saving the bottle of champagne for a special occasion.· Había estado guardando la botella de champán para una ocasión especial.· We can save the rest of the pie for later.· Podemos guardar el resto del pastel para después.file to store papers or information in a particular order or a particular placeguardar documentos o información en un orden o lugar determinados: · All the contracts are filed alphabetically.· Todos los contratos están archivados alfabéticamente.collect to get and keep objects of the same type because you think they are attractive or interestingconseguir y guardar objetos del mismo tipo porque se cree que son atractivos o interesantes: · Kate collects old postcards.· Kate colecciona postales antiguas.hold to keep something to be used when it is needed, especially something that many different people may need to useguardar algo para usarlo cuando sea necesario, especialmente algo que muchas personas diferentes puedan necesitar usar: · Medical records are now usually held on computers.· Los registros médicos ahora se almacenan habitualmente en ordenadores.reserve formalformal to keep part of something for use at a later time during a process such as cookingguardar una parte de algo para usarla más adelante durante un proceso, como al cocinar: · Reserve some of the chocolate so that you can use it for decorating the cake.· Reserva un poco de chocolate para decorar el pastel.hoard to keep large amounts of food, money etc because you think you may not be able to get them in the future – used when you do not approve of people doing this because it is not necessary or not fair to other peopleacumular grandes cantidades de comida, dinero, etc. por temor a no poder obtenerlos en el futuro – se usa cuando no se aprueba esta conducta porque es innecesaria o injusta para los demás: · People have been hoarding food and fuel in case there is another attack.· La gente ha estado acaparando comida y combustible por si hay otro ataque.· Rationing of basic food products was introduced to prevent hoarding.· Se introdujo el racionamiento de productos alimenticios básicos para evitar el acaparamiento.keep at something phrasal verb1keep at it spokenoral to continue to do something, although it is difficult or hard workseguir haciendo algo aunque sea difícil o costoso: I know it’s hard, but keep at it! Don’t give up!Sé que es difícil, ¡pero sigue adelante! ¡No te rindas!2keep somebody at something to force someone to continue to work hard and not let them stopobligar a alguien a seguir trabajando duro y no dejarle pararkeep back phrasal verb1 keep something ↔ back to deliberately not tell someone all that you know about somethingocultar deliberadamente a alguien todo lo que uno sabe sobre algo: I got the feeling he was keeping something back.Tuve la sensación de que estaba ocultando algo.2keep something ↔ back to not show your feelings, even though you want to very muchno mostrar los sentimientos aunque se tenga muchas ganas de hacerlo: She was struggling to keep back the tears.Luchaba por contener las lágrimas.3keep somebody ↔ back to prevent someone from being as successful as they could beimpedir que alguien tenga el éxito que podría tener SYN hold back: Fear and stereotypes have kept women back for centuries.El miedo y los estereotipos han frenado a las mujeres durante siglos.4keep something ↔ back especially British English to not give or pay something that you were going to giveno dar o pagar algo que se iba a dar: They kept back some of his wages to pay for the damage.Le retuvieron parte del salario para pagar los daños.keep somebody/something ↔ down phrasal verb1to prevent the size, cost, or quantity of something from increasing or being too greatevitar que el tamaño, el costo o la cantidad de algo aumente o sea demasiado grande: We need to keep costs down.Necesitamos mantener los costos bajos.2to succeed in keeping food in your stomach, instead of bringing it up again out of your mouth, when you are illlograr retener la comida en el estómago sin vomitarla cuando se está enfermo: I could hardly keep anything down for about three days.Durante unos tres días, casi no podía retener nada en el estómago.3used to ask someone to make less noisese usa para pedirle a alguien que haga menos ruido: Keep your voice down – she’ll hear you!¡Baja la voz, que te va a oír! Can you keep it down – I’m trying to work.¿Pueden bajar el volumen? Estoy tratando de trabajar.4to prevent a group of people from becoming as successful and powerful as the other people in a societyimpedir que un grupo de personas llegue a ser tan exitoso y poderoso como los demás miembros de la sociedad: Plantation owners kept slaves down by refusing them an education.Los dueños de las plantaciones mantenían sometidos a los esclavos negándoles la educación.keep from phrasal verb1keep (somebody/something) from something to prevent someone from doing something or prevent something from happeningimpedir que alguien haga algo o que algo sucedakeep somebody from (doing) something His ex-wife had kept him from seeing his children.Su exesposa le había impedido ver a sus hijos. I hope I haven’t kept you from your work.Espero no haberte alejado de tu trabajo.keep something from doing something Put the pizza in the bottom of the oven to keep the cheese from burning.Pon la pizza en la parte baja del horno para evitar que se queme el queso.keep (yourself) from doing something The play was so boring I could hardly keep myself from falling asleep.La obra era tan aburrida que apenas podía evitar quedarme dormido.2keep something from somebody to prevent someone from knowing something, by deliberately not telling them about itimpedir que alguien sepa algo ocultándoselo deliberadamente SYN withhold: The government had wanted to keep this information from the public.El gobierno había querido ocultar esta información al público.keep somebody in phrasal verb1to make someone stay in hospital because they are too ill to go homehacer que alguien permanezca en el hospital porque está demasiado enfermo para irse a casa: They kept her in overnight for observation.La tuvieron ingresada toda la noche para observación.2 British English to force someone to stay inside, especially as a punishment in schoolobligar a alguien a quedarse dentro, especialmente como castigo en la escuelakeep in with somebody phrasal verb British English to try to stay friendly with someone, especially because this helps youintentar mantener una buena relación con alguien, especialmente porque eso le beneficia a uno: It’s a good idea to keep in with the boss.Es buena idea mantener buenas relaciones con el jefe.keep off phrasal verb1keep something ↔ off to prevent something from touching or harming somethingevitar que algo toque o dañe algo: She held an old piece of cloth over them both to keep the rain off.Sostuvo un viejo trozo de tela sobre los dos para protegerlos de la lluvia.keep something off something How are we going to keep the flies off this food?¿Cómo vamos a mantener las moscas alejadas de esta comida?2keep your hands off somebody/something used to tell someone not to touch someone or somethingse usa para decirle a alguien que no toque a alguien o algo: Keep your hands off me!¡Quita las manos de encima!3keep (somebody) off something to not eat, drink, or take something that is bad for you, or to stop someone else from eating, drinking, or taking itno comer, beber o tomar algo que es perjudicial para uno, o impedir que otra persona lo coma, beba o tome: Keep off fatty foods.Evita los alimentos grasos. a programme aimed at keeping teenagers off drugsun programa destinado a alejar a los adolescentes de las drogas4keep off something especially British English to avoid talking about a particular subject, especially so that you do not upset someoneevitar hablar sobre un tema concreto, especialmente para no molestar a alguien SYN avoid, stay off5keep something ↔ off if you keep weight off, you do not get heavier again after you have lost weightsi mantienes el peso a raya, no vuelves a engordar después de haber adelgazado6 British English if rain keeps off, it does not fallsi la lluvia se mantiene a raya, no caekeep on phrasal verb1to continue doing something, or to do something many timesseguir haciendo algo, o hacer algo muchas veceskeep on doing something You just have to keep on trying.Solo tienes que seguir intentándolo.2keep somebody ↔ on to continue to employ someone, especially for longer than you had plannedseguir empleando a alguien, especialmente por más tiempo del previsto: If you’re good, they might keep you on after Christmas.Si te portas bien, puede que te queden después de Navidad.3British English informalinformal to talk continuously about something or repeat something many times, in a way that is annoyinghablar sin parar sobre algo o repetir algo muchas veces de manera molesta SYN go onkeep on about There’s no need to keep on and on about it!¡No hace falta seguir y seguir dándole vueltas al asunto!keep on at If I didn’t keep on at the children, they’d never do their homework.Si no estuviera encima de los niños todo el tiempo, nunca harían los deberes.keep to something phrasal verb1to stay on a particular road, course, piece of ground etcmantenerse en un camino, curso o terreno determinado: It’s best to keep to the paths.Es mejor ceñirse a los senderos.2to do what has been decided in an agreement or plan, or what is demanded by lawcumplir lo acordado en un acuerdo o plan, o lo que exige la ley: Keep to the speed limits.Respeta los límites de velocidad.3keep to the point/subject etc to talk or write only about the subject you are supposed to be talking abouthablar o escribir únicamente sobre el tema que se debe tratar4keep something to something to prevent an amount, degree, or level from becoming higher than it shouldevitar que una cantidad, un grado o un nivel supere lo que debe ser: Costs must be kept to a minimum.Los costos deben mantenerse al mínimo.5keep something to yourself to not tell anyone about somethingno contarle a nadie algo: I’d appreciate it if you kept it to yourself.Te agradecería que lo guardaras para ti.6keep to yourself (also keep yourself to yourself British English) to live a very quiet private life and not do many things that involve other peoplellevar una vida muy tranquila y privada sin hacer muchas cosas que involucren a otras personaskeep up phrasal verb1keep something ↔ up to continue doing somethingseguir haciendo algo: I don’t think I can keep this up any longer.No creo que pueda seguir con esto por más tiempo.keep up the good work! (=continue to work hard and well)(=seguir trabajando duro y bien)2if a situation keeps up, it continues without stopping or changingsi una situación se mantiene, continúa sin detenerse ni cambiar SYN continue: How long can the economic boom keep up?¿Cuánto tiempo puede mantenerse el auge económico?3to go as quickly as someone elseir a la misma velocidad que otra personakeep up with I had to walk fast to keep up with him.Tuve que caminar rápido para seguirle el paso.4to manage to do as much or as well as other peoplelograr hacer tanto o tan bien como los demás OPP fall behindkeep up with Jack’s having trouble keeping up with the rest of the class.Jack tiene dificultades para seguirle el ritmo al resto de la clase.keep up with the Joneses (=try to have the same new impressive possessions that other people have)(=intentar tener las mismas posesiones nuevas e impresionantes que tienen los demás)5to continue to read and learn about a particular subject, so that you always know about the most recent facts, products etcseguir leyendo y aprendiendo sobre un tema concreto para estar siempre al tanto de los hechos, productos, etc. más recienteskeep up with Employees need to keep up with the latest technical developments.Los empleados necesitan mantenerse al día con los últimos avances técnicos.6keep something ↔ up to make something continue at its present level or amount, instead of letting it decreasemantener algo en su nivel o cantidad actual en lugar de dejar que disminuya: NATO kept up the pressure on the Serbs to get out of Kosovo.La OTAN mantuvo la presión sobre los serbios para que salieran de Kosovo.7if one process keeps up with another, it increases at the same speed and by the same amountsi un proceso mantiene el ritmo de otro, aumenta a la misma velocidad y en la misma cantidadkeep up with Food production is not keeping up with population growth.La producción de alimentos no está siguiendo el ritmo del crecimiento demográfico.8keep something ↔ up to continue to practise a skill so that you do not lose itseguir practicando una habilidad para no perderla: I used to speak French, but I haven’t kept it up.Antes hablaba francés, pero no lo he mantenido.9keep somebody up informalinformal to prevent someone from going to bedimpedir que alguien se vaya a dormir: I hope I’m not keeping you up.Espero no estar impidiéndote dormir.10keep your spirits/strength/morale etc up to stay happy, strong, confident etc by making an effortesforzarse por mantenerse alegre, fuerte, seguro de sí mismo, etc.: We sang as we marched, to keep our spirits up.Cantamos mientras marchábamos para mantener el ánimo en alto.11keep up appearances to pretend that everything in your life is normal and happy even though you are in trouble, especially financial troublefingir que todo en tu vida es normal y feliz aunque estés en apuros, especialmente económicoskeep up with somebody phrasal verb to write to, telephone, or meet a friend regularly, so that you do not forget each otherescribirle, telefonear o quedar con un amigo con regularidad para no olvidarse el uno del otro
Ver todas las traducciones1not change [linking verb, transitive] to stay in a particular state, condition, or position, or to make someone or something do thispermanecer en un estado, condición o posición determinados, o hacer que alguien o algo permanezca asíkeep (somebody/something) warm/safe/dry etc We huddled around the fire to keep warm.Nos apiñamos alrededor del fuego para mantenernos calientes.keep calm/awake/sane etc I was struggling to keep awake.Luchaba por mantenerme despierto.keep something clean/tidy Keep your room tidy.Mantén tu habitación ordenada.keep somebody busy/amused/occupied some toys to keep the kids amusedalgunos juguetes para entretener a los niños You won’t be able to keep it secret forever.No podrás mantenerlo en secreto para siempre. Peter cycles to work to keep fit.Peter va al trabajo en bicicleta para mantenerse en forma. Don’t keep us in suspense any longer!¡No nos tengas en suspenso más tiempo!keep (somebody/something) away/back/off/out etc The police put up barriers to keep the crowds back.La policía colocó barreras para mantener a la multitud a distancia. If I were you, I’d keep away from that area at night.Si fuera tú, me mantendría alejado de esa zona por las noches. a sign saying ‘Danger: Keep Out’un letrero que dice "Peligro: Prohibido el paso" The little boy kept close to his mother.El niño se mantuvo cerca de su madre.keep (somebody) out of something Keep him out of trouble.Mantenlo alejado de los problemas. You keep out of this, Mother (=do not get involved). It’s no concern of yours.Tú mantente al margen, mamá (=no te involucres). No es asunto tuyo. How can I cut your hair if you won’t keep still!¡Cómo voy a cortarte el pelo si no te quedas quieto!keep left/right (=stay to the left or right of a path or road as you move)(=mantenerse a la izquierda o a la derecha de un camino o carretera al avanzar)keep somebody/something doing something Jane kept the engine running.Jane mantuvo el motor en marcha.GRAMMAR: Linking verbsGRAMÁTICA: Verbos copulativosKeep is used as a linking verb in this meaning. It links the subject of the sentence with an adjective: · I try to keep busy.· The fruit will keep fresh for several weeks.En este significado, keep se usa como verbo copulativo y conecta el sujeto de la oración con un adjetivo: · Trato de mantenerme ocupado. · La fruta se mantendrá fresca durante varias semanas.2continue doing something [intransitive] (also keep on) to continue doing something or to do the same thing many timescontinuar haciendo algo o hacer lo mismo muchas veceskeep (on) doing something I keep thinking about Joe, all alone in that place.Sigo pensando en Joe, completamente solo en ese lugar. I keep telling you, but you won’t listen!¡Te lo sigo diciendo, pero no quieres escuchar! She pretended not to hear, and kept on walking.Fingió no oír y siguió caminando.GRAMMARGRAMÁTICAKeep is followed by an -ing form, not an infinitive. You say: · He kept talking to me. ✗Don’t say: He kept to talk to me.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSkeep va seguido de la forma en -ing, no del infinitivo. Se dice: · He kept talking to me. ✗No se dice: He kept to talk to me.Guía gramatical — VERBOS3not give back [transitive] to have something and not give it back to the person who had it beforequedarse con algo y no devolvérselo a quien lo tenía antes: You can keep it. I don’t need it anymore.Puedes quedártelo. Ya no lo necesito.4not lose [transitive] to continue to have something and not lose it or get rid of itseguir teniendo algo y no perderlo ni deshacerse de ello: We decided to keep our old car instead of selling it.Decidimos quedarnos con el auto viejo en lugar de venderlo. I kept his letters for years.Guardé sus cartas durante años. In spite of everything, Robyn’s managed to keep her sense of humor.A pesar de todo, Robyn ha logrado conservar su sentido del humor.5store something [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to leave something in one particular place so that you can find it easilydejar algo en un lugar determinado para poder encontrarlo fácilmente: Where do you keep your teabags?¿Dónde guardas las bolsitas de té? George kept a bottle of whiskey under his bed.George guardaba una botella de whisky debajo de su cama.6make somebody stay in a place [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to make someone stay in a place, especially a prison or hospitalhacer que alguien permanezca en un lugar, especialmente una prisión u hospital: He was kept in prison for a week without charge.Lo mantuvieron en prisión durante una semana sin cargos.7delay somebody [transitive] to delay someoneretener a alguien, hacerle llegar tarde: He should be here by now. What’s keeping him?Ya debería estar aquí. ¿Qué lo estará entreteniendo?8do what you promised [transitive] to do what you have promised or agreed to documplir lo que se ha prometido o acordadokeep your word/promise How do I know you’ll keep your word?¿Cómo sé que vas a cumplir tu palabra? patients who fail to keep their appointmentspacientes que no acuden a sus citas9keep a secret to not tell anyone about a secret that you knowno contarle a nadie un secreto que uno conoce: Can I trust you to keep a secret?¿Puedo confiar en que guardarás el secreto?10keep something quiet/keep quiet (about something) to not say anything in order to avoid telling a secret or causing problemsno decir nada para evitar revelar un secreto o causar problemas11keep a record/account/diary etc to regularly record written information somewhereregistrar información escrita en algún lugar de manera regular12keep going a)keep (somebody) going to have or to give someone enough hope and emotional strength to continue living and doing things in a bad situationtener o dar a alguien suficiente esperanza y fortaleza emocional para seguir viviendo y actuando en una situación difícil: That woman’s been through such a lot – I don’t know how she keeps going.Esa mujer ha pasado por tanto que no sé cómo sigue adelante. Her letters were the only thing that kept me going while I was in prison.Sus cartas eran lo único que me mantenía en pie mientras estaba en prisión. b)keep (something) going if you keep a business, institution, regular event etc going, you keep it open or make it continue to happensi mantienes en marcha un negocio, una institución, un evento regular, etc., lo mantienes abierto o haces que siga ocurriendo: The library costs £5 million a year to run, and the council can’t afford to keep it going.La biblioteca cuesta 5 millones de libras al año en gastos de funcionamiento, y el ayuntamiento no puede permitirse mantenerla en marcha. c)keep going to continue doing something difficultseguir haciendo algo difícil: Persevere and keep going until you reach your ideal weight.Persevera y sigue adelante hasta alcanzar tu peso ideal. d)keep somebody going if something keeps you going, it is enough to satisfy your need while you are waiting to get something bigger or bettersi algo te mantiene en marcha, es suficiente para satisfacer tu necesidad mientras esperas obtener algo mayor o mejor: I’ll have a biscuit to keep me going until dinner time.Voy a comer una galleta para aguantar hasta la hora de cenar.13food [intransitive] if food keeps, it stays fresh enough to be eatensi un alimento se conserva, permanece suficientemente fresco para comerse: Eat the salmon because it won’t keep till tomorrow.Come el salmón porque no se conservará hasta mañana.14animals [transitive] to own and look after animalstener y cuidar animales: We keep chickens and a couple of pigs.Criamos gallinas y un par de cerdos.15stop other people from using something [transitive] to stop other people from using something, so that it is available for someoneimpedir que otros usen algo para que esté disponible para alguien SYN save: Will you keep a seat for me?¿Me guardarás un asiento?16keep somebody waiting to make someone wait before you meet them or see themhacer esperar a alguien antes de recibirlo o verlo: Sorry to keep you waiting – I got stuck in a meeting.Disculpa la espera; me quedé atascado en una reunión.17keep guard/watch to guard a place or watch around you all the timevigilar un lugar o estar pendiente de los alrededores en todo momento18shop [transitive] British English old-fashionedanticuado to own a small business and work in ittener un pequeño negocio y trabajar en él19provide somebody with things [transitive] to provide someone with money, food etcproporcionar a alguien dinero, comida, etc.: He did not earn enough to keep a wife and children.No ganaba suficiente para mantener a su esposa y sus hijos.keep somebody in something There’s enough money there to keep you in champagne for a year!¡Hay suficiente dinero para tenerte en champán durante un año!20protect [transitive] formalformal to guard or protect someoneguardar o proteger a alguien: The Lord bless you and keep you.El Señor te bendiga y te guarde. His only thought was to keep the child from harm.Su único pensamiento era proteger al niño de cualquier daño.21keep goal/wicket to be the player in a team whose job is to protect the goal or wicketser el jugador del equipo cuya función es proteger la portería o el wicket → goalkeeper, wicket keeperSPOKEN PHRASES22 keep quiet used to tell someone not to say anything or make any noisese usa para decirle a alguien que no hable ni haga ruido: Keep quiet! I’m trying to watch the game.¡Cállate! Estoy tratando de ver el partido.23 how are you keeping? used to ask if someone is wellse usa para preguntar cómo está alguien: ‘Hi, Mark! How are you keeping?’ ‘Oh, not so bad.’"¡Hola, Mark! ¿Cómo estás?" "Oh, no tan mal."24 keep your hair/shirt on! used to tell someone to be more calm, patient etcse usa para decirle a alguien que sea más tranquilo, más paciente, etc.25somebody can keep something used to say that you do not want or are not interested in somethingse usa para decir que uno no quiere algo o no está interesado en ello: She can keep her wild parties and posh friends – I like the quiet life.Que se quede con sus fiestas escandalosas y sus amigos elegantes; a mí me gusta la vida tranquila.26 it’ll keep used to say that you can tell someone something or do something laterse usa para decir que se puede contar algo o hacer algo más tarde: ‘I don’t have time to listen now.’ ‘Don’t worry, it’ll keep.’"Ahora no tengo tiempo de escuchar." "No te preocupes, puede esperar."THESAURUSSINÓNIMOS– Meaning 5— Significado 5keep to leave something in one particular place so that you can find it easilydejar algo en un lugar determinado para poder encontrarlo fácilmente: · Where do you keep the scissors?· ¿Dónde guardas las tijeras?· The keys are kept in my office.· Las llaves se guardan en mi oficina.store to put things away and keep them until you need themguardar cosas y conservarlas hasta que se necesiten: · Villagers have begun storing wood for the winter.· Los aldeanos han empezado a almacenar madera para el invierno.save to keep something so that you can use or enjoy it in the futureguardar algo para poder usarlo o disfrutarlo en el futuro: · He had been saving the bottle of champagne for a special occasion.· Había estado guardando la botella de champán para una ocasión especial.· We can save the rest of the pie for later.· Podemos guardar el resto del pastel para después.file to store papers or information in a particular order or a particular placeguardar documentos o información en un orden o lugar determinados: · All the contracts are filed alphabetically.· Todos los contratos están archivados alfabéticamente.collect to get and keep objects of the same type because you think they are attractive or interestingconseguir y guardar objetos del mismo tipo porque se cree que son atractivos o interesantes: · Kate collects old postcards.· Kate colecciona postales antiguas.hold to keep something to be used when it is needed, especially something that many different people may need to useguardar algo para usarlo cuando sea necesario, especialmente algo que muchas personas diferentes puedan necesitar usar: · Medical records are now usually held on computers.· Los registros médicos ahora se almacenan habitualmente en ordenadores.reserve formalformal to keep part of something for use at a later time during a process such as cookingguardar una parte de algo para usarla más adelante durante un proceso, como al cocinar: · Reserve some of the chocolate so that you can use it for decorating the cake.· Reserva un poco de chocolate para decorar el pastel.hoard to keep large amounts of food, money etc because you think you may not be able to get them in the future – used when you do not approve of people doing this because it is not necessary or not fair to other peopleacumular grandes cantidades de comida, dinero, etc. por temor a no poder obtenerlos en el futuro – se usa cuando no se aprueba esta conducta porque es innecesaria o injusta para los demás: · People have been hoarding food and fuel in case there is another attack.· La gente ha estado acaparando comida y combustible por si hay otro ataque.· Rationing of basic food products was introduced to prevent hoarding.· Se introdujo el racionamiento de productos alimenticios básicos para evitar el acaparamiento.keep at something phrasal verb1keep at it spokenoral to continue to do something, although it is difficult or hard workseguir haciendo algo aunque sea difícil o costoso: I know it’s hard, but keep at it! Don’t give up!Sé que es difícil, ¡pero sigue adelante! ¡No te rindas!2keep somebody at something to force someone to continue to work hard and not let them stopobligar a alguien a seguir trabajando duro y no dejarle pararkeep back phrasal verb1 keep something ↔ back to deliberately not tell someone all that you know about somethingocultar deliberadamente a alguien todo lo que uno sabe sobre algo: I got the feeling he was keeping something back.Tuve la sensación de que estaba ocultando algo.2keep something ↔ back to not show your feelings, even though you want to very muchno mostrar los sentimientos aunque se tenga muchas ganas de hacerlo: She was struggling to keep back the tears.Luchaba por contener las lágrimas.3keep somebody ↔ back to prevent someone from being as successful as they could beimpedir que alguien tenga el éxito que podría tener SYN hold back: Fear and stereotypes have kept women back for centuries.El miedo y los estereotipos han frenado a las mujeres durante siglos.4keep something ↔ back especially British English to not give or pay something that you were going to giveno dar o pagar algo que se iba a dar: They kept back some of his wages to pay for the damage.Le retuvieron parte del salario para pagar los daños.keep somebody/something ↔ down phrasal verb1to prevent the size, cost, or quantity of something from increasing or being too greatevitar que el tamaño, el costo o la cantidad de algo aumente o sea demasiado grande: We need to keep costs down.Necesitamos mantener los costos bajos.2to succeed in keeping food in your stomach, instead of bringing it up again out of your mouth, when you are illlograr retener la comida en el estómago sin vomitarla cuando se está enfermo: I could hardly keep anything down for about three days.Durante unos tres días, casi no podía retener nada en el estómago.3used to ask someone to make less noisese usa para pedirle a alguien que haga menos ruido: Keep your voice down – she’ll hear you!¡Baja la voz, que te va a oír! Can you keep it down – I’m trying to work.¿Pueden bajar el volumen? Estoy tratando de trabajar.4to prevent a group of people from becoming as successful and powerful as the other people in a societyimpedir que un grupo de personas llegue a ser tan exitoso y poderoso como los demás miembros de la sociedad: Plantation owners kept slaves down by refusing them an education.Los dueños de las plantaciones mantenían sometidos a los esclavos negándoles la educación.keep from phrasal verb1keep (somebody/something) from something to prevent someone from doing something or prevent something from happeningimpedir que alguien haga algo o que algo sucedakeep somebody from (doing) something His ex-wife had kept him from seeing his children.Su exesposa le había impedido ver a sus hijos. I hope I haven’t kept you from your work.Espero no haberte alejado de tu trabajo.keep something from doing something Put the pizza in the bottom of the oven to keep the cheese from burning.Pon la pizza en la parte baja del horno para evitar que se queme el queso.keep (yourself) from doing something The play was so boring I could hardly keep myself from falling asleep.La obra era tan aburrida que apenas podía evitar quedarme dormido.2keep something from somebody to prevent someone from knowing something, by deliberately not telling them about itimpedir que alguien sepa algo ocultándoselo deliberadamente SYN withhold: The government had wanted to keep this information from the public.El gobierno había querido ocultar esta información al público.keep somebody in phrasal verb1to make someone stay in hospital because they are too ill to go homehacer que alguien permanezca en el hospital porque está demasiado enfermo para irse a casa: They kept her in overnight for observation.La tuvieron ingresada toda la noche para observación.2 British English to force someone to stay inside, especially as a punishment in schoolobligar a alguien a quedarse dentro, especialmente como castigo en la escuelakeep in with somebody phrasal verb British English to try to stay friendly with someone, especially because this helps youintentar mantener una buena relación con alguien, especialmente porque eso le beneficia a uno: It’s a good idea to keep in with the boss.Es buena idea mantener buenas relaciones con el jefe.keep off phrasal verb1keep something ↔ off to prevent something from touching or harming somethingevitar que algo toque o dañe algo: She held an old piece of cloth over them both to keep the rain off.Sostuvo un viejo trozo de tela sobre los dos para protegerlos de la lluvia.keep something off something How are we going to keep the flies off this food?¿Cómo vamos a mantener las moscas alejadas de esta comida?2keep your hands off somebody/something used to tell someone not to touch someone or somethingse usa para decirle a alguien que no toque a alguien o algo: Keep your hands off me!¡Quita las manos de encima!3keep (somebody) off something to not eat, drink, or take something that is bad for you, or to stop someone else from eating, drinking, or taking itno comer, beber o tomar algo que es perjudicial para uno, o impedir que otra persona lo coma, beba o tome: Keep off fatty foods.Evita los alimentos grasos. a programme aimed at keeping teenagers off drugsun programa destinado a alejar a los adolescentes de las drogas4keep off something especially British English to avoid talking about a particular subject, especially so that you do not upset someoneevitar hablar sobre un tema concreto, especialmente para no molestar a alguien SYN avoid, stay off5keep something ↔ off if you keep weight off, you do not get heavier again after you have lost weightsi mantienes el peso a raya, no vuelves a engordar después de haber adelgazado6 British English if rain keeps off, it does not fallsi la lluvia se mantiene a raya, no caekeep on phrasal verb1to continue doing something, or to do something many timesseguir haciendo algo, o hacer algo muchas veceskeep on doing something You just have to keep on trying.Solo tienes que seguir intentándolo.2keep somebody ↔ on to continue to employ someone, especially for longer than you had plannedseguir empleando a alguien, especialmente por más tiempo del previsto: If you’re good, they might keep you on after Christmas.Si te portas bien, puede que te queden después de Navidad.3British English informalinformal to talk continuously about something or repeat something many times, in a way that is annoyinghablar sin parar sobre algo o repetir algo muchas veces de manera molesta SYN go onkeep on about There’s no need to keep on and on about it!¡No hace falta seguir y seguir dándole vueltas al asunto!keep on at If I didn’t keep on at the children, they’d never do their homework.Si no estuviera encima de los niños todo el tiempo, nunca harían los deberes.keep to something phrasal verb1to stay on a particular road, course, piece of ground etcmantenerse en un camino, curso o terreno determinado: It’s best to keep to the paths.Es mejor ceñirse a los senderos.2to do what has been decided in an agreement or plan, or what is demanded by lawcumplir lo acordado en un acuerdo o plan, o lo que exige la ley: Keep to the speed limits.Respeta los límites de velocidad.3keep to the point/subject etc to talk or write only about the subject you are supposed to be talking abouthablar o escribir únicamente sobre el tema que se debe tratar4keep something to something to prevent an amount, degree, or level from becoming higher than it shouldevitar que una cantidad, un grado o un nivel supere lo que debe ser: Costs must be kept to a minimum.Los costos deben mantenerse al mínimo.5keep something to yourself to not tell anyone about somethingno contarle a nadie algo: I’d appreciate it if you kept it to yourself.Te agradecería que lo guardaras para ti.6keep to yourself (also keep yourself to yourself British English) to live a very quiet private life and not do many things that involve other peoplellevar una vida muy tranquila y privada sin hacer muchas cosas que involucren a otras personaskeep up phrasal verb1keep something ↔ up to continue doing somethingseguir haciendo algo: I don’t think I can keep this up any longer.No creo que pueda seguir con esto por más tiempo.keep up the good work! (=continue to work hard and well)(=seguir trabajando duro y bien)2if a situation keeps up, it continues without stopping or changingsi una situación se mantiene, continúa sin detenerse ni cambiar SYN continue: How long can the economic boom keep up?¿Cuánto tiempo puede mantenerse el auge económico?3to go as quickly as someone elseir a la misma velocidad que otra personakeep up with I had to walk fast to keep up with him.Tuve que caminar rápido para seguirle el paso.4to manage to do as much or as well as other peoplelograr hacer tanto o tan bien como los demás OPP fall behindkeep up with Jack’s having trouble keeping up with the rest of the class.Jack tiene dificultades para seguirle el ritmo al resto de la clase.keep up with the Joneses (=try to have the same new impressive possessions that other people have)(=intentar tener las mismas posesiones nuevas e impresionantes que tienen los demás)5to continue to read and learn about a particular subject, so that you always know about the most recent facts, products etcseguir leyendo y aprendiendo sobre un tema concreto para estar siempre al tanto de los hechos, productos, etc. más recienteskeep up with Employees need to keep up with the latest technical developments.Los empleados necesitan mantenerse al día con los últimos avances técnicos.6keep something ↔ up to make something continue at its present level or amount, instead of letting it decreasemantener algo en su nivel o cantidad actual en lugar de dejar que disminuya: NATO kept up the pressure on the Serbs to get out of Kosovo.La OTAN mantuvo la presión sobre los serbios para que salieran de Kosovo.7if one process keeps up with another, it increases at the same speed and by the same amountsi un proceso mantiene el ritmo de otro, aumenta a la misma velocidad y en la misma cantidadkeep up with Food production is not keeping up with population growth.La producción de alimentos no está siguiendo el ritmo del crecimiento demográfico.8keep something ↔ up to continue to practise a skill so that you do not lose itseguir practicando una habilidad para no perderla: I used to speak French, but I haven’t kept it up.Antes hablaba francés, pero no lo he mantenido.9keep somebody up informalinformal to prevent someone from going to bedimpedir que alguien se vaya a dormir: I hope I’m not keeping you up.Espero no estar impidiéndote dormir.10keep your spirits/strength/morale etc up to stay happy, strong, confident etc by making an effortesforzarse por mantenerse alegre, fuerte, seguro de sí mismo, etc.: We sang as we marched, to keep our spirits up.Cantamos mientras marchábamos para mantener el ánimo en alto.11keep up appearances to pretend that everything in your life is normal and happy even though you are in trouble, especially financial troublefingir que todo en tu vida es normal y feliz aunque estés en apuros, especialmente económicoskeep up with somebody phrasal verb to write to, telephone, or meet a friend regularly, so that you do not forget each otherescribirle, telefonear o quedar con un amigo con regularidad para no olvidarse el uno del otrokeepkeep2 noun 1somebody’s keep the cost of providing food and a home for someoneel costo de proporcionar comida y hogar a alguienearn your keep (=do things in return for the things that are provided for you)(=hacer algo a cambio de lo que te proporcionan) It’s time you got a job and started earning your keep.Ya es hora de que consigas un trabajo y empieces a ganarte el sustento.2for keeps informalinformal foreverpara siempre: Marriage ought to be for keeps.El matrimonio debería ser para siempre.3[countable] a large strong tower, usually in the centre of a castleuna torre grande y sólida, generalmente en el centro de un castillo
1somebody’s keep the cost of providing food and a home for someoneel costo de proporcionar comida y hogar a alguienearn your keep (=do things in return for the things that are provided for you)(=hacer algo a cambio de lo que te proporcionan) It’s time you got a job and started earning your keep.Ya es hora de que consigas un trabajo y empieces a ganarte el sustento.2for keeps informalinformal foreverpara siempre: Marriage ought to be for keeps.El matrimonio debería ser para siempre.3[countable] a large strong tower, usually in the centre of a castleuna torre grande y sólida, generalmente en el centro de un castillo