guardia costera
/ɡwaɾdja kosteɾa/from spelling rulesfeminine
The English phrase "coast guard" is translated into Spanish as guardia costera.
guardia costera refers to the enforcer of maritime law. When referring to the institution itself, it is most common to use the definite article la to say la guardia costera.
Meaning: enforcer of maritime law (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of guardia, meaning guard or watch and costera, which means coastal or relating to the coast.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so any accompanying adjectives must also be in the feminine form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡwaɾdja kosteɾa/
Did you know?
- The word costera relates to the Latin 'costa', which can also mean 'rib' in anatomy, meaning the term is etymologically tied to the 'side' or 'edge' of a body.
- While English speakers use 'Coast Guard' as a title, in many Spanish-speaking countries, people might use the term armada if the maritime enforcement is specifically part of the Navy.
- In Spanish, la guardia can refer to a coast guard, a military watch or even a person's 'guard' in boxing and martial arts.
Examples in context
- Siempre he admirado la dedicación de la Guardia Costera en la protección de nuestras costas.I have always admired the Coast Guard's dedication to protecting our shores.
- La guardia costera vigila el puerto.The coast guard monitors the port.
- Llamamos a la guardia costera por radio.We called the coast guard by radio.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are watching a boat from the beach.
- SofíaMira, la guardia costera está cerca.Look, the coast guard is nearby.
- JavierSí, Sofía, parece que están patrullando.Yes, Sofía, it looks like they are patrolling.
- SofíaEs bueno que la guardia costera esté aquí.It is good that the coast guard is here.
- JavierAsí nos sentimos más seguros en el mar.That way we feel safer at sea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coast guard” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
