Inklingo

How to Say "to save" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to save” is “guardar” — use this when saving digital information like documents, files, or game progress on a computer or device.

English → Spanish

guardar

gwar-DARɡwaɾˈðaɾ

verbA2
Use this when saving digital information like documents, files, or game progress on a computer or device.
A cartoon hand gently placing a stylized, light blue floppy disk icon into a secure, stylized yellow digital storage folder.

Examples

Tienes que guardar el archivo antes de apagar la computadora.

You have to save the file before turning off the computer.

Guarda este enlace para leerlo más tarde.

Save this link (or bookmark it) to read later.

salvar

sal-BARsalˈβaɾ

verbA2
Use this when saving someone or something from danger, harm, or a perilous situation, including digital progress.
A depiction of rescue, showing a strong hand reaching down from above to grasp a smaller hand that is reaching up from a dark, steep ravine.

Examples

No olvides salvar el documento antes de cerrar el programa.

Don't forget to save the document before closing the program.

El bombero salvó al gato del incendio.

The firefighter saved the cat from the fire.

Gracias por salvarme la vida.

Thank you for saving my life.

Intentaron salvar los muebles de la inundación.

They tried to salvage the furniture from the flood.

Saving Someone *From* Something

To say you saved someone from something, use the pattern: salvar a alguien de algo. For example, 'Salvé al perro del río' (I saved the dog from the river).

Saving Money vs. Saving a Life

Mistake: “Quiero salvar dinero para un coche.”

Correction: Quiero *ahorrar* dinero para un coche. Use `salvar` for rescuing from danger, and `ahorrar` for saving money or resources.

Saving a File vs. Putting Something Away

Mistake: “Voy a salvar mis llaves en el cajón.”

Correction: Voy a *guardar* mis llaves en el cajón. While `guardar` can also mean 'to save a file', `salvar` cannot mean 'to put something away for safekeeping'.

descargar

dehs-kar-GAHRdeskaɾˈɣaɾ

verbA2
This specifically means to download, transferring files from the internet to your device.
A blue arrow pointing down onto a silver laptop computer.

Examples

Tengo que descargar la aplicación para pedir comida.

I have to download the app to order food.

No puedo abrir el archivo porque no se descargó bien.

I can't open the file because it didn't download properly.

Haz clic aquí para descargar el PDF.

Click here to download the PDF.

Spelling Change in the Past

When talking about 'I downloaded' (Past/Preterite), the 'g' changes to 'gu' (descargué) to keep the hard 'g' sound. Without the 'u', it would sound like a 'j'!

Using 'de' for Sources

When you download something from a website, use 'de' or 'desde'. Example: 'Descargar música de internet'.

Confusing Download and Upload

Mistake: “Voy a descargar mis fotos a la nube.”

Correction: Voy a subir mis fotos a la nube. Use 'subir' (to go up) for putting things on the internet, and 'descargar' (to unload) for taking them off.

reservar

rreh-sehr-BAHRre.ser.ˈβar

verbB1
Use this when setting something aside for a specific person or future use, like a seat or a portion of food.
A child placing a single cookie into a small colorful jar to save it for later.

Examples

Te reservé un poco de pastel en la cocina.

I saved you a bit of cake in the kitchen.

Por favor, resérvame un asiento en la primera fila.

Please, save me a seat in the first row.

Adding 'se' for Personal Use

If you are saving something strictly for yourself, you often add 'se' to the verb: 'Me reservo mi opinión' (I'm keeping my opinion to myself).

rescatar

re-ska-TARreskaˈtaɾ

verbB1
This means to rescue someone or something from a dangerous situation, often involving physical extraction.
A firefighter gently carrying a small kitten out of a smoky doorway.

Examples

Los bomberos lograron rescatar al niño del edificio.

The firefighters managed to rescue the boy from the building.

Necesitamos rescatar a los excursionistas que se perdieron.

We need to rescue the hikers who got lost.

Using the 'Personal A'

Since you are usually rescuing a person or a pet, you must use 'a' before them. Example: 'Rescatar a María' (Rescue Maria).

Rescatar vs. Salvar

Mistake: “Using 'rescatar' for saving a file on a computer.”

Correction: Use 'guardar' for files. 'Rescatar' implies pulling someone out of a dangerous physical place.

parar

pa-RARpaˈɾaɾ

verbB1sports
In sports, this means to block or stop an opponent's action, like a goalkeeper saving a shot.
A cartoon soccer goalie dives sideways with outstretched hands, successfully catching a bright yellow soccer ball just before it enters the goal net.

Examples

El portero paró el penalti y salvó al equipo.

The goalkeeper saved the penalty and saved the team.

¡Qué buena parada! Nadie esperaba que parara ese balón.

What a great save! Nobody expected him to save that ball.

Guardar vs. Salvar for digital files

Learners often confuse 'guardar' and 'salvar' for saving digital content. While both can be used, 'guardar' is more common for general file saving on your device. 'Salvar' can also mean to save from danger, so context is key.

Related Translations

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