guardar
/gwar-DAR/
to put away
Guardar (to put away): Using a toy chest to store physical objects.
guardar(Verb)
to put away
?storing physical objects
,to store
?placing something somewhere safe
to keep
?retaining possession of an item
📝 In Action
Ella siempre guarda las llaves en el mismo cajón.
A1She always keeps the keys in the same drawer (puts them away).
¿Dónde guardaste la aspiradora?
A2Where did you store the vacuum cleaner?
Guarda el cambio, lo necesitarás más tarde.
A1Keep the change, you will need it later.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular AR Verb
Guardar follows the standard pattern for all -AR verbs. Just drop the -ar and add the appropriate endings (e.g., Yo guardo, Tú guardas).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Save Money'
Mistake: "Voy a guardar dinero."
Correction: Voy a ahorrar dinero. ('Guardar' is physical storage; 'ahorrar' is saving money.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Tidying Up
Use 'guardar' when you mean to tidy something up by putting it back where it belongs, often contrasted with 'dejar' (to leave out).
Guardar (to save): Storing digital information in a file.
📝 In Action
Tienes que guardar el archivo antes de apagar la computadora.
A2You have to save the file before turning off the computer.
Guarda este enlace para leerlo más tarde.
B1Save this link (or bookmark it) to read later.
⭐ Usage Tips
Digital Use
Unlike saving money ('ahorrar'), 'guardar' is the correct verb for saving digital information, documents, or links.
Guardar (to keep): Carefully retaining a secret or promise.
guardar(Verb)
to keep
?retaining a secret or promise
,to observe
?following a rule or silence
to hold
?holding onto feelings or silence
📝 In Action
Te prometo que voy a guardar tu secreto.
B1I promise you that I am going to keep your secret.
Debes guardar silencio en la biblioteca.
B2You must observe (keep) silence in the library.
El equipo guardó un minuto de silencio en honor al fallecido.
B2The team held a minute of silence in honor of the deceased.
💡 Grammar Points
Keeping Abstract Things
When dealing with abstract nouns like 'secreto' (secret), 'silencio' (silence), or 'rencor' (grudge), 'guardar' means to actively retain or maintain that state.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: guardar
Question 1 of 2
Which English verb is NOT a primary translation for 'guardar'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'guardar' reflexive? (Can I use 'guardarse'?)
Yes, 'guardarse' is used, usually to mean 'to keep something for oneself' or 'to reserve something.' For example, 'Guárdate las críticas' (Keep the criticisms to yourself).
How is 'guardar' different from 'mantener'?
'Guardar' usually implies putting something away for safekeeping or initiating the act of keeping (like putting keys in a drawer). 'Mantener' means to maintain a state or condition, like 'mantener la calma' (to keep calm).