protector
/pro-tek-TOR/
protective
The adjective protector describes a quality of being protective, like shielding something vulnerable.
protector(adjective)
protective
?describing a quality or instinct
defensive
?showing a need to defend
📝 In Action
Mi perro es muy protector con los niños de la casa.
A2My dog is very protective of the children in the house.
Ella tiene un instinto protector muy fuerte.
B1She has a very strong protective instinct.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching Gender
As an adjective, 'protector' must match the thing it describes. For feminine words, it becomes 'protectora': 'actitud protectora' (f.) vs. 'instinto protector' (m.).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Ser'
Use 'ser' (to be) when describing a permanent quality or character trait: 'Él es muy protector' (He is a very protective person).
As a noun, protector refers to a person who offers protection and guidance.
protector(noun)
protector
?a person who protects
,patron
?a supporter of the arts or sciences
guardian
?someone who looks after others
📝 In Action
El duque era el protector de la ciudad durante la guerra.
B2The duke was the protector of the city during the war.
Buscan un protector para financiar la nueva fundación.
B2They are looking for a patron to finance the new foundation.
💡 Grammar Points
The Female Form
To refer to a female person who protects, use the feminine noun: la protectora (the protectress/female patron).
The noun protector can also refer to a physical protective device, like a helmet.
protector(noun)
protector
?protective cover or device
,sunscreen
?short for protector solar
guard
?safety shield
,sunblock
?cosmetic product
📝 In Action
No olvides ponerte protector antes de salir al sol.
A2Don't forget to put on sunscreen before going out in the sun.
Se me rompió el protector de la pantalla del teléfono.
A2The screen protector on my phone broke.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Sun Products
Mistake: "Using *bloqueador* universally."
Correction: While *bloqueador* is common in parts of Latin America, *protector solar* is the most widely understood term for sunscreen across the Spanish-speaking world.
⭐ Usage Tips
Shortened Usage
It is very common to shorten protector solar (sunscreen) to just protector in everyday conversation.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: protector
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'protector' as a noun referring to a physical object?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'protector' masculine or feminine?
The word 'protector' is masculine (el protector). However, if you are describing a feminine noun or referring to a female guardian, the word changes to 'protectora' (la protectora).
What is the difference between 'protector solar' and 'bloqueador'?
They both mean sunscreen or sunblock. 'Protector solar' is universally understood and very common in Spain. 'Bloqueador' is a very common synonym used widely in many Latin American countries.