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How to Say "to protect" in Spanish

English → Spanish

proteger

proh-teh-HÉHR/pɾo.teˈxeɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'proteger' when you mean to guard someone or something from physical danger, harm, or attack.
A large, strong human hand gently cups and covers a tiny, vulnerable yellow bird chick, shielding it from a light drizzle of rain.

Examples

El guardaespaldas protege al famoso actor.

The bodyguard protects the famous actor.

El perro siempre protege a los niños de la casa.

The dog always protects the children of the house.

Usa bloqueador solar para proteger tu piel del sol.

Use sunblock to protect your skin from the sun.

Protejo mi computadora con una buena contraseña.

I protect my computer with a good password.

Spelling Change in the 'Yo' form

In the 'yo' form of the present tense, 'proteger' changes from 'proteg-' to 'protej-' (protejo). This keeps the 'h'-like sound consistent.

Using 'de' or 'contra'

When saying what you are protecting from, you usually use 'de' (from) or 'contra' (against): 'Proteger [algo] de [un peligro]'

Forgetting the G-to-J change

Mistake: “Yo protego (Incorrect)”

Correction: Yo protejo (Correct). Remember, verbs ending in -ger or -gir usually need this spelling change.

conservar

/kon-ser-VAR//kon.seɾˈβaɾ/

verbB2formal
Use 'conservar' when the meaning is to preserve or maintain something valuable, like natural resources or cultural heritage, for the future.
A close-up view of a hand reaching out to flip a simple, white light switch into the off position.

Examples

Es importante conservar la biodiversidad de la selva amazónica.

It is important to conserve the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest.

Debemos conservar el agua para las generaciones futuras.

We must conserve water for future generations.

El gobierno tiene un plan para conservar la selva tropical.

The government has a plan to conserve the rainforest.

Proteger vs. Conservar

Learners often confuse 'proteger' and 'conservar' by using 'proteger' when they mean to preserve something for the long term. Remember, 'proteger' is about immediate safety from harm, while 'conservar' is about keeping something intact over time.

Related Translations

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