Inklingo

How to Say "guarding" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “guarding” is “vigilando” — use 'vigilando' when the primary focus is on actively watching over a specific place or person to prevent unauthorized access or danger..

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vigilando

vee-hee-LAHN-doh/bi.xiˈlan.do/

Verb (Gerund)A2General
Use 'vigilando' when the primary focus is on actively watching over a specific place or person to prevent unauthorized access or danger.
A large, wide-eyed brown owl is perched on a thick tree branch in the darkness, staring intently forward, symbolizing continuous observation.

Examples

El guardia está vigilando la entrada principal.

The guard is watching the main entrance.

Llevan horas vigilando el edificio sospechoso.

They have been monitoring the suspicious building for hours.

Ella sigue vigilando el progreso de sus estudiantes.

She continues monitoring her students' progress.

Forming the Continuous Tense

You use 'vigilando' (the gerund) with a form of 'estar' (to be) to show an action happening right now: 'Estamos vigilando' (We are watching).

Using Gerunds with Other Verbs

You can also use 'vigilando' with verbs like 'seguir' (to continue) or 'ir' (to go) to show an ongoing action: 'Sigo vigilando' (I keep watching).

Mixing up 'ser' and 'estar'

Mistake: “Soy vigilando.”

Correction: Estoy vigilando. Remember, continuous actions always use the verb 'estar', never 'ser'.

protegiendo

proh-teh-HYEHN-doh/pro.teˈxjen.do/

Verb (Gerund)A1General
Use 'protegiendo' when the emphasis is on shielding something or someone from harm, damage, or negative influence.
Two large, gentle hands are cupped together, completely enclosing and sheltering a small, bright green seedling.

Examples

Mi hermana está protegiendo a su gato de la lluvia.

My sister is protecting her cat from the rain.

Ellos han estado protegiendo sus tierras por generaciones.

They have been protecting their lands for generations.

El escudo siguió protegiendo al guerrero a pesar de los golpes.

The shield kept protecting the warrior despite the blows.

Showing Continuous Action

The '-iendo' ending means the action is happening right now, or over a period of time. You must use 'protegiendo' with a form of the verb 'estar' (to be) to make a continuous tense: 'está protegiendo'.

The '-er/-ir' Rule

All verbs ending in '-er' (like proteger) and '-ir' use the '-iendo' ending for this form. Verbs ending in '-ar' use '-ando'.

Using the Infinitive for Ongoing Action

Mistake: “Estamos proteger el medio ambiente.”

Correction: Estamos protegiendo el medio ambiente. (Use the -iendo form when describing what is happening right now.)

Active Watchfulness vs. Shielding

Learners often confuse 'vigilando' and 'protegiendo' by using them interchangeably. Remember that 'vigilando' implies active observation to prevent problems, while 'protegiendo' focuses on shielding from existing or potential harm.

Related Translations

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