guarda
“guarda” means “keeps” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
keeps, saves, guard
Also: stores
📝 In Action
Ella guarda sus joyas en una caja fuerte.
A1She keeps her jewelry in a safe box.
Guarda este secreto, por favor.
A2Keep this secret, please (informal command).
¿Dónde guarda el documento?
A1Where does he save the document?
guard, warden
Also: watchman
📝 In Action
El guarda del museo nos pidió que no tocáramos las obras.
B1The museum guard asked us not to touch the works.
La guarda forestal encontró un nido de águilas.
B2The forest warden found an eagle's nest.
custody
Also: guardianship, keeping
📝 In Action
El juez decidió otorgarle la guarda de los niños a la madre.
B2The judge decided to grant custody of the children to the mother.
La guarda de los documentos históricos es vital.
C1The keeping (custody) of the historical documents is vital.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: guarda
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'guarda' as an informal command?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Germanic root *wardon*, meaning 'to watch or protect,' which entered Latin (as *wardare*) and then evolved into the Spanish verb 'guardar.' The noun 'guarda' is a direct derivation of this root.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (around the 11th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'guarda' (noun) and 'guardián'?
'Guarda' is often used for a specific job title (like a security guard or park ranger). 'Guardián' is a bit more formal and suggests someone who protects or takes care of something precious, like a treasure, a secret, or a sacred place.
How do I know if 'guarda' is a verb or a noun in a sentence?
Look at the words around it. If it follows a subject (like 'él' or 'ella') or functions as an action, it's the verb ('Él guarda el dinero'). If it follows an article ('el' or 'la') and refers to a person or concept, it's the noun ('La guarda llegó tarde').