guarda
/GWAR-dah/
keeps
Illustrating the verb 'keeps' (guarda), meaning to retain or store something.
guarda(Verb)
keeps
?3rd person singular present tense
,saves
?3rd person singular present tense (often for money or data)
,guard
?Informal command (tú imperative)
stores
?3rd person singular present tense
📝 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?
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Role
The form 'guarda' is used both when talking about what a third person (he/she/it/you formal) 'does' now, and when you are giving an informal command to 'tú'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Memory Aid
Think of 'guarda' as the root of 'guardar'. If you are commanding someone to do the action ('Guard it!'), you use the same form as saying 'He/She guards it'.
Illustrating the noun 'guard' (guarda), a person who watches or protects.
guarda(Noun)
guard
?A person who watches or protects
,warden
?A person in charge of public land or a building (e.g., forest warden)
watchman
?Security role
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Invariant
When referring to the person, the word 'guarda' itself doesn't change based on gender, but the article (el or la) and any accompanying adjectives must match the person's gender.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gender
Mistake: "Using 'guarda' with the incorrect article for the person's gender (e.g., calling a woman 'el guarda')."
Correction: Use 'el guarda' for a man and 'la guarda' for a woman. The word 'guarda' stays the same.
Illustrating the noun 'custody' (guarda), meaning the protective care and responsibility for an object or person.
guarda(Noun)
custody
?Legal care of a person or object
guardianship
?Formal care
,keeping
?The act of retaining something
📝 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C1The keeping (custody) of the historical documents is vital.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Context
This meaning is typically used in legal or very formal settings, often replacing the more common word 'custodia'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: guarda
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'guarda' as an informal command?
📚 More Resources
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').