Inklingo

How to Say "saves" in Spanish

English → Spanish

guarda

GWAR-dah/ˈɡwaɾða/

VerbA1General
Use this when 'saves' means to keep, store, or put something away for future use, like money or data.
A young person carefully placing a treasured, shiny coin inside a small wooden chest.

Examples

Ella guarda sus joyas en una caja fuerte.

She keeps her jewelry in a safe box.

Guarda este secreto, por favor.

Keep this secret, please (informal command).

¿Dónde guarda el documento?

Where does he save the document?

Dual Role

The form 'guarda' is used both when talking about what a third person (he/she/it/you formal) 'does' now, and when you are giving an informal command to 'tú'.

salva

SAHL-vah/ˈsalβa/

VerbA1General
Use this when 'saves' means to rescue someone or something from danger, harm, or a bad situation, often implying a critical intervention.
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!)

libra

/lee-brah//ˈli.βɾa/

VerbB1General
Use this when 'saves' means to escape or get out of a difficult or unpleasant situation, often by avoiding consequences.
A small bird flying out of an open golden cage.

Examples

Él se libra de la multa por un error del policía.

He gets out of the fine because of a police error.

El ejército libra una batalla difícil.

The army fights a difficult battle.

Guarda vs. Salva for 'saves'

Learners often confuse 'guarda' (to keep/store) and 'salva' (to rescue). Remember that 'guarda' is about putting something away, while 'salva' is about preventing harm or loss, often in a more urgent context.

Related Translations

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