Inklingo

How to Say "bodyguard" in Spanish

English → Spanish

guardaespaldas

gwar-des-PAL-das/gwaɾ.ðaesˈpal.das/

NounB1General
Use 'guardaespaldas' for a general, personal security detail hired to protect an individual, especially someone famous or important.
A tall, muscular figure wearing a dark suit stands close to a smaller person in everyday clothes, looking alert and protective. This illustrates a bodyguard.

Examples

El famoso actor contrató un guardaespaldas nuevo.

The famous actor hired a new bodyguard.

Los guardaespaldas rodearon al político cuando salió del coche.

The bodyguards surrounded the politician when he got out of the car.

Ella es mi guardaespaldas personal; se llama Rosa.

She is my personal bodyguard; her name is Rosa.

A Word That Doesn't Change

This word is a combination of a verb ('guarda' - to guard) and a plural noun ('espaldas' - backs). Because of this structure, 'guardaespaldas' always stays the same, regardless of whether you mean one person or many people.

Making it Plural

To show you are talking about more than one bodyguard, you only change the article (the little word before it): 'el guardaespaldas' (singular) becomes 'los guardaespaldas' (plural).

Trying to Add an 'S'

Mistake: “Using 'guardaespaldases' for the plural.”

Correction: The word is already 'plural' in its structure, so you must keep it as 'guardaespaldas' and only change the article or adjective: 'los guardaespaldas'.

escolta

/es-KOHL-tah//esˈkolta/

NounB1Formal
Choose 'escolta' when referring to a group or an individual officially assigned to protect a high-profile person, like a politician or dignitary.
A person in a professional suit with an earpiece standing alert behind a VIP.

Examples

El presidente camina rodeado por su escolta.

The president walks surrounded by his bodyguard.

Ella trabaja como escolta privada para actores famosos.

She works as a private bodyguard for famous actors.

One Word, Two Genders

When referring to a person, this word doesn't change its ending. Use 'el escolta' for a man and 'la escolta' for a woman.

Avoid 'Escolto' or 'Escolta'

Mistake: “Calling a female guard 'la escolta' and a male guard 'el escolto'.”

Correction: The word always ends in -a. Just change the 'el' or 'la' at the start.

gorila

/go-REE-lah//ɡoˈɾila/

NounB2Informal
Use 'gorila' specifically for the security personnel, often large and imposing, who guard the entrance to clubs, concerts, or other public events.
A large, muscular man wearing a black suit standing with his arms crossed in front of a velvet rope.

Examples

Había varios gorilas vigilando la entrada del concierto.

There were several bouncers watching the entrance to the concert.

El político siempre va acompañado por dos gorilas.

The politician is always accompanied by two bodyguards.

Using it as a Description

When used for people, it's often slightly negative or descriptive of their large size and tough attitude.

Choosing between 'guardaespaldas' and 'escolta'

Learners often confuse 'guardaespaldas' and 'escolta'. 'Guardaespaldas' is more common for any hired personal protection, while 'escolta' implies a more official or assigned role, often for public figures like presidents. Think of 'escolta' as a security detail and 'guardaespaldas' as a personal protector.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.