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guardián

/gwar-dee-AHN/

guard

A uniformed security officer standing attentively beside a tall, locked metal gate, performing their duty.

In the context of security, a guardián is a guard who maintains order and safety.

guardián(noun)

mB1

guard

?

security or prison

,

keeper

?

of animals or property

Also:

watchman

?

night duty

,

custodian

?

building maintenance

📝 In Action

El guardián de seguridad revisó mi bolso antes de entrar al museo.

B1

The security guard checked my bag before entering the museum.

El zoológico tiene un guardián especial para los tigres.

B2

The zoo has a special keeper for the tigers.

Los guardianes de la prisión están en huelga.

B1

The prison guards are on strike.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • vigilante (security guard)
  • celador (caretaker)

Common Collocations

  • guardián nocturno – night watchman
  • guardián de la ley – law enforcement officer (metaphorical)

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Match

Since 'guardián' is a masculine noun, any descriptive words (adjectives) you use with it must also be masculine: 'el viejo guardián' (the old guard).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing the Job and the Action

Mistake: "Muchos guardianes guardan la puerta. (Many guards guard the door.)"

Correction: This is grammatically correct but sounds repetitive. Try: 'Muchos guardianes protegen la puerta.' (Many guards protect the door.)

⭐ Usage Tips

The Feminine Form

If the person doing the guarding is female, you must use 'guardiana'. The form changes completely: 'la guardiana'.

An elderly woman with kind eyes gently holds a large, antique rolled parchment scroll close to her chest, symbolizing the protection of tradition.

A guardián can also be a protector or guardian, often safeguarding traditions, history, or values.

guardián(noun)

mC1

guardian

?

protector of values or traditions

,

custodian

?

of a legacy

Also:

patron

?

of a cause

📝 In Action

El anciano era el guardián de los secretos del pueblo.

B2

The old man was the guardian of the town's secrets.

La iglesia se considera el guardián de la fe.

C1

The church is considered the custodian of the faith.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • protector (protector)
  • defensor (defender)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • guardián de la tradición – guardian of tradition
  • guardián de la memoria – guardian of memory

💡 Grammar Points

Metaphorical Use

This definition of 'guardián' is often used to refer to non-people (like organizations or concepts) that protect something abstract.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Context

Use this meaning primarily in written language, speeches, or formal discussions, as it carries a sense of duty and importance.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: guardián

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'guardián' in its figurative, formal sense?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

guardiana(female guard/guardian) - noun
guardar(to guard, to keep) - verb
guardería(daycare, nursery) - noun

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.