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How to Say "to escort" in Spanish

English → Spanish

escoltar

es-kol-TAReskolˈtaɾ

verbB1/B2general
Use 'escoltar' when you are providing protection or security for someone, or in a more ceremonial context like accompanying someone down an aisle.
A sturdy security guard in a uniform walking closely beside a person to protect them.

Examples

La policía va a escoltar al presidente hasta el aeropuerto.

The police are going to escort the president to the airport.

Varios barcos de guerra escoltaron al carguero.

Several warships escorted the cargo ship.

Es necesario escoltar el camión con el dinero.

It is necessary to guard the truck with the money.

El padre escoltó a la novia hasta el altar.

The father escorted the bride to the altar.

The 'Personal A'

When you are escorting a specific person, you must use the word 'a' before their name or title. For example: 'Escoltamos a la reina' (We escort the queen).

Regular Verb Pattern

This verb follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar', you can conjugate 'escoltar' perfectly.

Formal Contexts

In this sense, 'escoltar' implies high respect or a specific social role during an event.

Escort vs. Acompañar

Mistake:Using 'escoltar' for just hanging out with a friend.

Correction: Use 'acompañar' for friends and 'escoltar' when there is a sense of protection, official duty, or ceremony.

conducir

kon-doo-SEERkon.duˈsiɾ

verbB1general
Use 'conducir' specifically when you are leading or guiding someone, like a visitor or guest, to a particular place.
A cheerful person standing at the front of a line of three followers, actively pointing forward down a simple dirt path.

Examples

El guardia condujo a los invitados a la sala principal.

The guard led the guests to the main hall.

Ella conduce las reuniones del equipo cada mañana.

She leads the team meetings every morning.

La policía está conduciendo la investigación sobre el caso.

The police are conducting the investigation into the case.

custodiar

koos-toh-dyahrkustoˈðjaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'custodiar' when the primary meaning is to guard or protect a place or person, emphasizing surveillance and security.
A loyal dog sitting alertly in front of a house door, watching over the entrance.

Examples

Los agentes custodian la entrada del palacio.

The agents are guarding the palace entrance.

Es su deber custodiar a los ciudadanos.

It is their duty to protect the citizens.

Varios guardias custodian el transporte de oro.

Several guards are escorting the gold transport.

The Personal 'a'

When you are guarding a specific person, you must use the word 'a' before their name or the noun. For example: 'Custodiaron a la reina'.

A Regular Choice

This verb follows the standard pattern for all -ar verbs, making its endings predictable in every tense.

Custodiar vs. Guardar

Mistake:Voy a custodiar mis zapatos en el armario.

Correction: Voy a guardar mis zapatos en el armario. Use 'custodiar' for security and 'guardar' for simple storage.

Escolta vs. Conducir

Learners often confuse 'escoltar' and 'conducir'. Remember that 'escoltar' implies protection or a formal escort, while 'conducir' simply means to lead or guide someone to a location.

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