Inklingo

How to Say "watchman" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “watchman” is “guarda” — use 'guarda' for a general security role, like a guard at a museum, building, or event, emphasizing their duty to protect..

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guarda

GWAR-dah/ˈɡwaɾða/

NounB1General
Use 'guarda' for a general security role, like a guard at a museum, building, or event, emphasizing their duty to protect.
A uniformed security guard stands attentively beside a large, locked gate.

Examples

El guarda del museo nos pidió que no tocáramos las obras.

The museum guard asked us not to touch the works.

La guarda forestal encontró un nido de águilas.

The forest warden found an eagle's nest.

Gender Invariant

When referring to the person, the word 'guarda' itself doesn't change based on gender, but the article (el or la) and any accompanying adjectives must match the person's gender.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “Using 'guarda' with the incorrect article for the person's gender (e.g., calling a woman 'el guarda').”

Correction: Use 'el guarda' for a man and 'la guarda' for a woman. The word 'guarda' stays the same.

vigilante

/bee-hee-LAHN-teh//bi.xi.ˈlan.te/

NounA2General
Choose 'vigilante' for someone specifically tasked with keeping watch, especially at night, often implying a more active or observant role.
A security guard wearing a uniform and a cap, standing tall in front of a building entrance.

Examples

El vigilante de seguridad nos pidió la identificación.

The security guard asked for identification.

Trabaja como vigilante nocturno en la fábrica.

He works as a night watchman at the factory.

One word for everyone

This word doesn't change its ending for men or women. Use 'el vigilante' for a man and 'la vigilante' for a woman.

guardia

/gwar-dya//ˈɡwar.ðja/

NounA2General
Use 'guardia' for a security guard, particularly in contexts that might imply a more official or established role, and it can also refer to older terms for night watch.
A uniformed security guard standing at attention next to a large, closed metal gate.

Examples

El guardia de seguridad revisó mi mochila antes de entrar al museo.

The security guard checked my backpack before entering the museum.

Si hay un problema, llama al guardia que está en la entrada.

If there is a problem, call the guard who is at the entrance.

La guardia del palacio estaba inamovible.

The guard (female officer) of the palace was standing still.

Gender and Person

When referring to the person who guards, 'guardia' is a noun that stays the same for both men and women (common gender). You use 'el guardia' for a man and 'la guardia' for a woman.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La guardia es un hombre muy alto.”

Correction: El guardia es un hombre muy alto. (Remember to match 'el' or 'la' to the person's actual gender.)

guardián

/gwar-dee-AHN//ɡwaɾˈðjan/

NounB1Slightly more formal/poetic
Employ 'guardián' when emphasizing the protective or 'guardian' aspect of the watchman's role, suggesting a sense of responsibility for safety.
A uniformed security officer standing attentively beside a tall, locked metal gate, performing their duty.

Examples

El guardián de seguridad revisó mi bolso antes de entrar al museo.

The security guard checked my bag before entering the museum.

El zoológico tiene un guardián especial para los tigres.

The zoo has a special keeper for the tigers.

Los guardianes de la prisión están en huelga.

The prison guards are on strike.

Gender Match

Since 'guardián' is a masculine noun, any descriptive words (adjectives) you use with it must also be masculine: 'el viejo guardián' (the old guard).

Confusing the Job and the Action

Mistake: “Muchos guardianes guardan la puerta. (Many guards guard the door.)”

Correction: This is grammatically correct but sounds repetitive. Try: 'Muchos guardianes protegen la puerta.' (Many guards protect the door.)

Guarda vs. Guardia vs. Vigilante

Learners often confuse 'guarda,' 'guardia,' and 'vigilante.' While 'guarda' is a general term for a guard, 'vigilante' specifically implies keeping watch, and 'guardia' can be used for security personnel or as an older term for a night watch. Use 'guarda' for most general security roles.

Related Translations

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