tenir

In a sentence

• Je tiens un verre d'eau dans ma main.

  I am holding a glass of water in my hand.

  'Tenir' is used as 'to hold' to indicate possessing or grasping something physically.

• Il tient toujours ses promesses.

  He always keeps his promises.

  'Tenir' is used as 'to keep' to express fulfilling or adhering to something such as a promise.

• Ce pont tient bien, même après tant d'années.

  This bridge holds well, even after so many years.

  'Tenir' is used as 'to hold' in a metaphorical sense, referring to the structural integrity or endurance of the bridge.