Inklingo

How to Say "to guard" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cuidar

kwee-DAHR/kwiˈðar/

verbA1general
Use 'cuidar' when you are looking after or taking care of someone or something valuable, like a person, pet, or property, in a protective way.
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-LAHR//bi.xiˈlaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'vigilar' when the primary meaning is to provide physical security or protection, often by watching over a specific location or entrance.
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.

patrullar

verbB1formal
Use 'patrullar' when the action involves moving around an area to watch over it and deter crime, typically done by security personnel or police.

Examples

El guardia patrulla el perímetro cada hora.

The guard patrols the perimeter every hour.

Cuidar vs. Vigilar

Learners often confuse 'cuidar' and 'vigilar'. Remember, 'cuidar' implies personal care or looking after something, while 'vigilar' focuses specifically on maintaining security and watchfulness over a place.

Related Translations

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