The Present Tense of atenerse is used to express actions or states that are happening now or that occur habitually. For example, Me atengo a las reglas del juego. (I abide by the rules of the game.)

Atenerse is an irregular verb, meaning its conjugations do not follow a set pattern in the present tense. You’ll need to memorize each form individually.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Atenerse (to abide by) in the Present Tense tense (Castilian Spanish):

Atenerse generally means to abide by or comply with something, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To abide by or comply with: For example, Me atengo a las reglas del juego. (I abide by the rules of the game.)

To stick to or limit oneself to: For example, Me atengo a los hechos. (I stick to the facts.)

To rely on or trust: For example, Me atengo a tu criterio. (I rely on your judgment.)

Colloquially, to deal with the consequences: For example, Atente a las consecuencias. (Deal with the consequences.)

Examples

Examples of Atenerse in the Present Tense

Cuando viajo, me atengo a las reglas y costumbres locales. (When I travel, I abide by the local rules and customs.)

En las reuniones familiares, nos atenemos a las tradiciones de nuestros antepasados. (At family gatherings, we follow the traditions of our ancestors.)

Para mantener una buena salud, me atengo a una dieta equilibrada y hago ejercicio regularmente. (To maintain good health, I stick to a balanced diet and exercise regularly.)

En el trabajo, se atienen estrictamente a los procedimientos establecidos. (At work, they strictly follow the established procedures.)

Cuando estoy estresado, me atengo a técnicas de relajación como la meditación. (When I’m stressed, I stick to relaxation techniques like meditation.)

Para ahorrar dinero, te atienes a un presupuesto mensual, ¿verdad? (To save money, you stick to a monthly budget, right?)

En las discusiones políticas, se atienen a los hechos y evitan las especulaciones. (In political discussions, they stick to the facts and avoid speculation.)

Cuando nos atenemos a nuestros valores, tomamos decisiones éticas. (When we adhere to our values, we make ethical decisions.)

Para aprender un idioma nuevo, te atienes a un plan de estudio constante, ¿no es así? (To learn a new language, you stick to a consistent study plan, don’t you?)

En situaciones de emergencia, se atienen al protocolo de seguridad establecido. (In emergency situations, they follow the established safety protocol.)

Cuando os atenéis a las reglas del juego, todos pueden divertirse. (When you follow the rules of the game, everyone can have fun.)

Para mantener una relación sana, se atienen a la comunicación abierta y honesta. (To maintain a healthy relationship, they stick to open and honest communication.)

Aunque es difícil a veces, me atengo a mis principios y valores. (Although it’s difficult sometimes, I stick to my principles and values.)

En el mundo de los negocios, se atienen a un código de ética profesional. (In the business world, they adhere to a professional code of ethics.)

Para mantener un estilo de vida saludable, nos atenemos a una rutina de ejercicio y alimentación equilibrada. (To maintain a healthy lifestyle, we stick to an exercise routine and balanced diet.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Atenerse (to abide by) in the Present Tense tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.