custodia
/koos-TOH-dee-ah/
custody
Custodia as legal guardianship, depicted by a caring adult protecting a child.
📝 In Action
Después del divorcio, la custodia de los niños fue para el padre.
B2After the divorce, the custody of the children went to the father.
Ellos están luchando por obtener la custodia compartida.
B2They are fighting to obtain joint custody.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'La Custodia'
Since 'custodia' is always feminine, you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la custodia', 'una custodia difícil').
⭐ Usage Tips
Legal Context
This meaning is almost always used in a formal or legal setting, usually referring to minors (children) after a separation or legal proceeding.
Custodia referring to the safekeeping and protection of valuable items.
custodia(noun)
safekeeping
?protection of items or documents
,guard
?security detail or escort
protection
?general security
📝 In Action
La policía puso el cargamento bajo custodia hasta que llegara el camión blindado.
B1The police placed the shipment under safekeeping until the armored truck arrived.
El presidente viaja siempre con un equipo de custodia personal.
B2The president always travels with a personal security detail (guard).
💡 Grammar Points
The Preposition 'Bajo'
When talking about an item being protected, you almost always use the preposition 'bajo' (under): 'bajo custodia' means 'under protection/guard' or 'in safekeeping'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Custodia' and 'Cuidado'
Mistake: "Using 'cuidado' when referring to police guard or legal safekeeping."
Correction: Use 'custodia' for official or security protection, and 'cuidado' for general care or attention.
Custodia as the name for the Catholic religious vessel used to display the consecrated host (monstrance).
📝 In Action
La custodia es un objeto de gran valor artístico en la iglesia.
C1The monstrance is an object of great artistic value in the church.
⭐ Usage Tips
Specialized Vocabulary
Unless you are studying Catholic religious art or history, you are unlikely to encounter 'custodia' in this specific meaning.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: custodia
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'custodia' in the sense of protection or security?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'custodia' related to the verb 'cuidar' (to care for)?
While both relate to protection, 'custodia' is generally more formal and implies security, legal responsibility, or guardianship. 'Cuidar' is about general care, attention, and looking after someone or something day-to-day.
Is 'custodia' used when referring to arresting someone?
Yes, but usually as part of a phrase. When someone is arrested, they are often described as being 'bajo custodia policial' (under police custody/guard), meaning they are in the protective and restrictive care of the authorities.