Inklingo

How to Say "to guard" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to guard” is “cuidar” — use 'cuidar' when you are looking after something or someone, like a pet or a possession, implying care and responsibility.

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cuidar

kwee-DAHRkwiˈðar

verbA1general
Use 'cuidar' when you are looking after something or someone, like a pet or a possession, implying care and responsibility.
A colorful illustration of a small child gently watering a vibrant green potted plant with a tiny watering can.

Examples

¿Puedes cuidar a mi perro este fin de semana?

Can you look after my dog this weekend?

Ella cuida mucho los detalles de su trabajo.

She pays close attention to the details of her work. (Literally: She cares for the details)

Mi hermano cuida el jardín para que esté hermoso.

My brother takes care of the garden so that it is beautiful.

The Personal 'A'

When 'cuidar' involves a specific person or pet as the one receiving the care, you MUST put the small word 'a' before them: 'Cuidamos a María' (We take care of Maria).

Caring for Objects

When caring for a thing (not a person or pet), skip the 'a': 'Cuida su salud' (He looks after his health) or 'Cuida la casa' (He looks after the house).

vigilar

vee-hee-LAHRbi.xiˈlaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'vigilar' for the act of physically watching over a place or object to ensure security, often for a specific period.
A strong, friendly bear wearing a small security uniform standing firmly next to a closed wooden treasure chest, acting as a guard.

Examples

El guardia tiene que vigilar la entrada toda la noche.

The guard has to watch (guard) the entrance all night.

Por favor, vigila mi bolso mientras voy al baño.

Please, watch over my bag while I go to the bathroom.

Los padres vigilan a sus hijos mientras juegan.

The parents watch over their children while they play.

Direct Object

In this sense, 'vigilar' usually takes a direct object (the person or thing being watched) without needing a preposition.

Confusing with 'Mirar'

Mistake: “Usar 'mirar' cuando se necesita 'vigilar' (e.g., 'Miré a los niños' when you mean 'I watched over the children').”

Correction: 'Mirar' means simply 'to look at' or 'to watch for enjoyment.' 'Vigilar' means 'to watch carefully with responsibility or alertness.' Use 'vigilar' when protecting or supervising.

patrulla

pah-TROO-yahpaˈtɾuʝa

verbB1general
Use 'patrulla' when someone is actively moving around an area to observe and protect it, like a security guard on their rounds.
A lone police officer walking slowly along a quiet residential street at night, clearly observing the surroundings.

Examples

El guardia patrulla el perímetro cada hora.

The guard patrols the perimeter every hour.

Estuvieron patrullando las calles toda la noche.

They were patrolling the streets all night.

Regular -AR Verb

The verb 'patrullar' follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar. Once you know the pattern for one, you know them all!

custodiar

koos-toh-dyahrkustoˈðjaɾ

verbB1formal
Use 'custodiar' for formally guarding a person, place, or valuable item, often implying a higher level of security or official duty.
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.

escoltar

es-kol-TAReskolˈtaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'escoltar' specifically when guarding or accompanying someone or something during travel or transit.
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.

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.

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.

General Protection vs. Specific Actions

Learners often confuse 'vigilar' (to watch over) with 'cuidar' (to look after). Remember that 'vigilar' implies a security focus on a place or object, while 'cuidar' is about taking care of someone or something valuable. 'Custodiar' and 'escoltar' are more specific for formal guarding and escorting, respectively.

Related Translations

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