proteger
/proh-teh-HÉHR/
to protect
"Proteger" (to protect) means guarding from physical danger or harm, illustrated by shielding a small bird from the rain.
proteger(verb)
to protect
?guarding from physical danger or harm
,to shield
?physically blocking harm
to shelter
?providing a safe place
📝 In Action
El perro siempre protege a los niños de la casa.
A2The dog always protects the children of the house.
Usa bloqueador solar para proteger tu piel del sol.
A2Use sunblock to protect your skin from the sun.
Protejo mi computadora con una buena contraseña.
B1I protect my computer with a good password.
💡 Grammar Points
Spelling Change in the 'Yo' form
In the 'yo' form of the present tense, 'proteger' changes from 'proteg-' to 'protej-' (protejo). This keeps the 'h'-like sound consistent.
Using 'de' or 'contra'
When saying what you are protecting from, you usually use 'de' (from) or 'contra' (against): 'Proteger [algo] de [un peligro]'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the G-to-J change
Mistake: "Yo protego (Incorrect)"
Correction: Yo protejo (Correct). Remember, verbs ending in -ger or -gir usually need this spelling change.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Result
'Proteger' focuses on actively preventing harm, while 'cuidar' (to care for) is about general maintenance and well-being.
"Proteger" can also mean to safeguard rights or interests, represented by the strong wall protecting the garden.
proteger(verb)
to safeguard
?rights, interests, or laws
,to conserve
?natural resources or heritage
to cherish
?figurative/emotional protection
📝 In Action
Es deber del gobierno proteger los derechos de los ciudadanos.
B1It is the government's duty to safeguard citizens' rights.
Debemos proteger la biodiversidad de nuestro planeta.
B2We must conserve the biodiversity of our planet.
Ella protege la memoria de su abuela, contando sus historias.
C1She cherishes her grandmother's memory by telling her stories.
💡 Grammar Points
Active vs. Passive Voice
This verb is often seen in the passive voice, especially in official language: 'Los datos son protegidos por la ley' (The data is protected by law).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Abstractions
When dealing with concepts like 'la economía' (the economy), 'los valores' (values), or 'la ley' (the law), 'proteger' is the perfect fit to express guarding them.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: proteger
Question 1 of 2
Which form of 'proteger' is correct for the first person singular ('yo') in the present indicative tense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'proteger' change its spelling in some conjugations?
Spanish needs to keep the soft, 'h'-like sound of the 'g' consistent. Since 'g' naturally makes a hard sound before 'a' and 'o' (like 'go'), it must switch to a 'j' (like in 'yo protejo' and 'que él proteja') to maintain the correct pronunciation.
Is 'proteger' reflexive? Can I use 'protegerse'?
Yes! When you use 'protegerse,' it means 'to protect oneself.' For example, 'Me protejo con un casco' (I protect myself with a helmet).