Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| custodia | /kusˈtodja/ | feminine |
| patria potestad | /patɾja potestad/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| tutela | /tuˈtela/ | feminine |
The term refers to the legal right to take care of something or somebody. When expressing that someone is 'in custody' (for example, by the police), use the idiomatic phrases bajo custodia or en custodia.
Which one should you use?
While custodia refers to the physical care and living arrangements of a child, patria potestad refers to the broader legal rights and responsibilities of parents over their children's property and legal status. Tutela is used specifically when a person (a guardian) is appointed to care for a minor or an incapacitated person who does not have parents exercising patria potestad.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, custodia is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. In some regions of Spain, la guarda y custodia is preferred in legal proceedings involving child custody.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun custodia is feminine and requires the feminine article la when used in the singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/kusˈtodja/
Did you know?
- In a religious context, a custodia is not a legal arrangement but a beautiful gold or silver vessel used to display the consecrated host during processions.
- The term patria potestad translates literally as 'fatherland power', reflecting an ancient Roman legal tradition where the father held absolute authority over the family.
- The word tutela shares the same root as the English word 'tutorial', as both derive from the Latin word for protection and guardianship.
Examples in context
- El acusado permanece en custodia.The defendant stays in custody.This sentence shows how to say a defendant stays in custodia.Tatoeba #5899075 by albrusgher, translation #2313171 by MrShoval
- Tom perdió la custodia de sus hijos.Tom lost custody of his children.This sentence shows how someone lost the custodia of their children.Tatoeba #3241242 by marcelostockle, translation #3240679 by CK
- El sospechoso fue puesto bajo custodia.The suspect was taken into custody.This sentence shows how a suspect was placed under custodia.Tatoeba #1876790 by Shishir, translation #1869536 by Spamster
- Él tiene la custodia de su hijo.He has custody of his child.
- ¿Quién tiene la guarda y custodia del niño después del divorcio?Who has custody of the child after the divorce?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two parents are discussing their legal arrangement for their children.
- SofíaNecesitamos decidir quién tendrá la custodia.We need to decide who will have custody.
- DanielYo creo que la custodia compartida es mejor.I think joint custody is better.
- SofíaEstoy de acuerdo, Daniel.I agree, Daniel.
- DanielEntonces hablemos con el abogado mañana.Then let's talk to the lawyer tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “custody” translations and entries custodia, patria potestad, tutela, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
