How to Say "guardian" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “guardian” is “defensor” — use 'defensor' when someone is actively protecting or advocating for a principle, cause, or abstract concept like rights.
Use 'defensor' when someone is actively protecting or advocating for a principle, cause, or abstract concept like rights.
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Use 'protector' when referring to someone who provides physical safety or looks after the well-being of people or a place.
Learn more →Use 'guardián' for someone who is responsible for preserving and keeping safe intangible things like secrets, traditions, or values.
Learn more →deh-fen-SOHRdefenˈsoɾ
Examples
Él es un firme defensor de los derechos de los animales.
He is a firm advocate for animal rights.
El abogado actuó como el defensor del acusado.
The lawyer acted as the defender of the accused.
Linking with 'de'
To show what someone is defending, use the word 'de' right after 'defensor'. For example: 'defensor de la paz' (defender of peace).
Gender Matching
Mistake: “María es un defensor.”
Correction: María es una defensora.
pro-tek-TORpɾoteɣˈtoɾ
Examples
El duque era el protector de la ciudad durante la guerra.
The duke was the protector of the city during the war.
Buscan un protector para financiar la nueva fundación.
They are looking for a patron to finance the new foundation.
The Female Form
To refer to a female person who protects, use the feminine noun: la protectora (the protectress/female patron).
guardián
Examples
El anciano era el guardián de los secretos del pueblo.
The old man was the guardian of the town's secrets.
Defensor vs. Protector
Learners often confuse 'defensor' and 'protector'. Remember that 'defensor' implies advocacy for abstract ideas or rights, while 'protector' focuses on safeguarding people or physical entities from harm.
Related Translations
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