custodiar
“custodiar” means “to guard” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to guard
Also: to watch over, to escort
📝 In Action
Los agentes custodian la entrada del palacio.
A2The agents are guarding the palace entrance.
Es su deber custodiar a los ciudadanos.
B1It is their duty to protect the citizens.
Varios guardias custodian el transporte de oro.
B2Several guards are escorting the gold transport.
to keep in safekeeping
Also: to hold in custody
📝 In Action
El banco custodia los títulos de propiedad.
B2The bank keeps the property deeds in safekeeping.
Es necesario custodiar las pruebas del juicio.
C1It is necessary to keep the trial evidence in custody.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: custodiar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'custodiar' correctly?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'custodire,' which means to watch over or preserve. It shares the same root as the English word 'custodian.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'custodiar' used for babysitting?
No, for babysitting we usually use 'cuidar'. 'Custodiar' is much more formal and implies a security guard or legal protection.
Can I use it for feelings?
It is rarely used for feelings. It's almost always used for physical objects, people, or legal documents.
Is it a common word?
You will see it in the news or at a museum, but you probably won't use it to talk about your daily chores at home.