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How to Say "protects" in Spanish

English → Spanish

protege

proh-TEH-heh/pɾoˈt̪exe/

Verb (Conjugated Form)A1General
Use 'protege' when the meaning is to defend or shield someone or something from physical danger, harm, or threat.
A sturdy bear standing guard in front of a delicate flower during a rain shower, symbolizing protection.

Examples

Ella protege a su familia de todo peligro.

She protects her family from all danger.

¡Protege tu cabeza!

Protect your head!

El gobierno protege las especies en peligro de extinción.

The government protects endangered species.

Spelling Change in 'Yo'

The verb 'proteger' needs a spelling change only in the 'yo' (I) form of the present tense to keep the soft 'g' sound. The 'g' changes to a 'j': 'yo protejo'.

Using the Command Form

'Protege' is the informal command (tú) form. It tells a friend or family member what to do: 'Protege a tu perro' (Protect your dog).

Mistake in 'Yo' Form

Mistake: “Yo protego”

Correction: The correct form is 'Yo protejo'. If you used 'protego', the 'g' would sound hard, like in 'gato'.

cuida

/kwee-dah//ˈkwi.ða/

Verb (Conjugated Form)A1General
Use 'cuida' when the meaning is to look after, take care of, or tend to someone or something, implying responsibility and attention.
A small girl carefully pouring water from a miniature watering can onto a bright yellow potted sunflower, illustrating the act of caring for a plant.

Examples

Mi hermana cuida a mi perro mientras estoy de viaje.

My sister takes care of my dog while I am traveling.

Usted cuida mucho su jardín, se ve hermoso.

You (formal) take great care of your garden; it looks beautiful.

El gobierno no cuida los recursos naturales.

The government does not protect natural resources.

Identifying the Subject

When you see 'cuida,' the person performing the action must be singular: 'he,' 'she,' or 'usted' (formal 'you'). The subject is often left out if it's clear from context.

Confusing 'cuidar' and 'mirar'

Mistake: “Using 'cuida' when you mean 'watches' or 'sees' (Mira la televisión).”

Correction: Use 'cuida' only for the sense of care or responsibility (Cuida a los niños).

salva

SAHL-vah/ˈsalβa/

Verb (Conjugated Form)A1General
Use 'salva' when the meaning is to rescue, save, or preserve something, often from being lost, wasted, or destroyed, sometimes in a figurative sense.
A colorful illustration of a lifeguard pulling a distressed swimmer to safety on a sandy beach.

Examples

Mi hermana siempre salva la comida que sobra.

My sister always saves the leftover food.

¡Salva los documentos antes de apagar la computadora!

Save the documents before turning off the computer!

El equipo médico salva vidas a diario.

The medical team saves lives daily.

Tú Command Form

When giving a direct, informal command to 'tú' (you), use the same form as the 'él/ella/usted' present tense: ¡Salva! (Save!)

Confusing Imperative Forms

Mistake: “Using 'salvas' as a command.”

Correction: The command form is shorter: '¡Salva el trabajo!' (Save the work!)

Protege vs. Cuida

The most common mistake is confusing 'protege' (to shield from harm) with 'cuida' (to take care of). Remember that 'protege' is about defense against danger, while 'cuida' is about active care and attention.

Related Translations

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