Inklingo

How to Say "guardian" in Spanish

English → Spanish

defensor

/deh-fen-SOHR//defenˈsoɾ/

nounB1general
Use 'defensor' when someone is actively protecting or advocating for a principle, cause, or abstract concept like rights.
A brave knight in shining armor holding a large shield to protect a small puppy.

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.

protector

/pro-tek-TOR//pɾoteɣˈtoɾ/

nounB1general
Use 'protector' when referring to someone who provides physical safety or looks after the well-being of people or a place.
A tall, strong figure holds the hand of a small figure, guiding them safely across a narrow wooden bridge.

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

nounC1general
Use 'guardián' for someone who is responsible for preserving and keeping safe intangible things like secrets, traditions, or values.

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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