custode
/kusˈtɔ.de/
The Italian word for the legal guardian of a minor is custode.
In everyday non-legal contexts, it is often used to describe a caretaker, such as a building superintendent or a keeper of a site.
Meaning: law: person legally responsible for a minor in loco parentis (noun)
Which one should you use?
While custode can mean a guardian or keeper, the specific legal term for a person appointed to manage the affairs of a minor or incapacitated person is tutore.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of custode is custodi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /kusˈtɔ.de/.
Did you know?
- The word custode shares an ancient root with the English word 'hide', as both stem from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'to cover'.
- The word custode can be used metaphorically in Italian to describe someone who preserves a tradition or a memory, much like a 'keeper' of history.
- In some Italian dialects, the figure of the custode is associated with the 'gatekeeper' who controls access to a village or a private estate.
Examples in context
- È il mio angelo custode.She's my guardian angel.This sentence shows how to use custode when referring to a guardian angel.Tatoeba #4723948 by Guybrush88, translation #2199748 by Hybrid
- Sono il tuo angelo custode.I'm your guardian angel.Tatoeba #13313156 by Guybrush88, translation #10863119 by CK
- Antonio ha un angelo custode.Antonio has a guardian angel.Tatoeba #13313153 by Guybrush88, translation #11774680 by Amastan
- Il tribunale ha stabilito di nominare una tutrice come guardiana dell'orfana.The court has decided to appoint a female guardian for the orphan.
- Il cane si considera il protettore della famiglia.The dog sees itself as the family guardian.
- Dopo la morte dei genitori, il nonno è diventato il tutore del nipote.After the parents' death, the grandfather became the guardian of his grandson.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are discussing a legal matter regarding a child.
- ChiaraChiaro, chi è il custode legale del bambino?Chiara, who is the legal guardian of the child?
- FrancescoIl custode è lo zio di Marco.The guardian is Marco's uncle.
- ChiaraHa già firmato tutti i documenti?Has he already signed all the documents?
- FrancescoSì, il custode ha firmato tutto ieri.Yes, the guardian signed everything yesterday.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry custode, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries custode, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
