Inklingo

How to Say "security guard" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “security guard” is “seguridad” — use 'seguridad' when referring to security personnel in general or the security department of a place, rather than a specific individual guard..

English → Spanish

seguridad

/se-goo-ree-DAHD//seɣuɾiˈðað/

nounB1general
Use 'seguridad' when referring to security personnel in general or the security department of a place, rather than a specific individual guard.
A professional security guard wearing a dark uniform standing watch next to a large, sturdy gate.

Examples

Llama a seguridad si ves algo sospechoso.

Call security if you see anything suspicious.

Si tienes un problema, llama a seguridad.

If you have a problem, call security.

El personal de seguridad revisó nuestras maletas.

The security staff checked our bags.

Un hombre de seguridad nos pidió los boletos en la entrada.

A security guard asked us for the tickets at the entrance.

vigilante

/bee-hee-LAHN-teh//bi.xi.ˈlan.te/

nounA2general
Use 'vigilante' to refer to a specific person who is on duty as a guard, protecting a building, area, or event.
A security guard wearing a uniform and a cap, standing tall in front of a building entrance.

Examples

El vigilante nocturno revisó las cámaras.

The night guard checked the cameras.

El vigilante de seguridad nos pidió la identificación.

The security guard asked us for identification.

Trabaja como vigilante nocturno en la fábrica.

He works as a night watchman at the factory.

One word for everyone

This word doesn't change its ending for men or women. Use 'el vigilante' for a man and 'la vigilante' for a woman.

Individual vs. Group

The most common mistake is using 'seguridad' to refer to a single guard when you mean an individual. Remember, 'seguridad' is often used for the collective security team or department, while 'vigilante' points to one specific person.

Related Translations

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