guardián
“guardián” means “guard” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
guard, keeper
Also: watchman, custodian
📝 In Action
El guardián de seguridad revisó mi bolso antes de entrar al museo.
B1The security guard checked my bag before entering the museum.
El zoológico tiene un guardián especial para los tigres.
B2The zoo has a special keeper for the tigers.
Los guardianes de la prisión están en huelga.
B1The prison guards are on strike.
guardian, custodian
Also: patron
📝 In Action
El anciano era el guardián de los secretos del pueblo.
B2The old man was the guardian of the town's secrets.
La iglesia se considera el guardián de la fe.
C1The church is considered the custodian of the faith.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: guardián
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'guardián' in its figurative, formal sense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the verb 'guardar' (to keep or protect), which itself has deep Germanic roots that entered Spanish through Vulgar Latin. It originally meant 'to watch' or 'to look out for'.
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether to use 'guardián' or 'guardiana'?
The rule is simple: use 'guardián' if the person is male, and 'guardiana' if the person is female. Unlike some job titles in Spanish, this one always changes its ending to match the person's gender.
Is 'guardián' only used for paid jobs?
No. While it often refers to a professional guard, it can also be used metaphorically or legally (like a legal guardian) to describe anyone who has the responsibility to protect something or someone.