Inklingo

How to Say "defensive" in Spanish

English → Spanish

defensivo

deh-fen-SEE-bohdefenˈsiβo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'defensivo' when referring to a strategy or plan aimed at protecting something, or when describing a person or group that is cautious or wary.
A small, fluffy rabbit curled up inside a sturdy wooden box for protection.

Examples

El equipo de fútbol tiene un plan muy defensivo para el partido de hoy.

The soccer team has a very defensive plan for today's game.

No te enfades, no lo dije para que te pusieras a la defensiva.

Don't get angry; I didn't say it to make you get defensive.

Construyeron un muro defensivo alrededor de la ciudad antigua.

They built a defensive wall around the ancient city.

Matching Gender and Number

This word must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'defensivo' for masculine words (el muro defensivo) and 'defensiva' for feminine words (la táctica defensiva).

The 'A la defensiva' Rule

When saying someone is 'on the defensive,' we always use 'a la defensiva' with a feminine 'a'. This stays the same even if you are talking about a man.

Confusing 'Defensa' and 'Defensivo'

Mistake: “El jugador es muy defensa.”

Correction: El jugador es muy defensivo (or 'es un defensa'). Use 'defensivo' as a describing word and 'defensa' for the person's job or the noun 'defense'.

protector

pro-tek-TORpɾoteɣˈtoɾ

adjectiveA2general
Choose 'protector' when describing someone or something that shows a strong instinct or need to defend or safeguard a person, place, or thing.
A small child holding an umbrella over a tiny bird in a nest, demonstrating a protective instinct against light rain.

Examples

Mi perro es muy protector con los niños de la casa.

My dog is very protective of the children in the house.

Ella tiene un instinto protector muy fuerte.

She has a very strong protective instinct.

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.).

Defensivo vs. Protector

Learners often confuse 'defensivo' and 'protector'. Remember that 'defensivo' is typically used for strategies or a general wary stance, while 'protector' implies a more active, personal guarding instinct, often towards people or animals.

Related Translations

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