guardián de
/ɡwaɾdjan de/from spelling rules
The English phrase "guardian of" is translated into Spanish as guardián de.
The phrase refers to a person who protects or cares for someone or something.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun guardián is derived from the verb guardar, which means "to guard" or "to keep".
Which one should you use?
When referring to a specific person or entity, you must include the definite article el before guardián, whereas English often omits it in titles.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Guardián de is a term used in Spain to express this concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun changes to the feminine form guardiana de if the person being referred to is female.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡwaɾdjan de/
Did you know?
- The English word 'warden' and the Spanish guardián are linguistic cousins. Both descend from the Gothic word wardjan, which means 'to guard'.
- If you are describing a legal guardian of a child in a professional setting, you should use the word tutor instead of guardián. Using guardián in a courtroom would sound more like a line from a fantasy novel than a legal term.
- The phrase guardián de is frequently used in Spanish to describe the 'guardian of a secret' (guardián de un secreto), a common idiomatic expression for someone who is very discreet.
Examples in context
- Cristóbal Colón peleó una vez contra Cancerbero, el guardián de tres cabezas del inframundo, con nada más que su sombrero.Christopher Columbus once fought Cerberus, the three-headed guardian of the underworld, with nothing but his hat.This sentence shows the use of guardián de in a mythological context.Tatoeba #536619 by Shishir, translation #536592 by FeuDRenais
- Tutor de menoresGuardian of minors
- Custodio de la casaGuardian of the house
- Protector de los derechosGuardian of rights
- Guardián de la tradiciónGuardian of tradition
- Soy tutor de mi hermano pequeño.I am the guardian of my little brother.
- Mi padre es el protector de nuestra familia.My father is the guardian of our family.
- Él es el guardián de la biblioteca.He is the guardian of the library.
- El perro actúa como guardián de la casa.The dog acts as the guardian of the house.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are visiting a historical castle.
- Mateo¿Quién es ese hombre junto a la puerta?Who is that man next to the door?
- ElenaÉl es el guardián de este castillo.He is the guardian of this castle.
- MateoParece muy serio en su trabajo.He seems very serious about his job.
- ElenaSí, debe proteger los tesoros antiguos.Yes, he must protect the ancient treasures.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, guardián, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
