tutela
/tuˈtela/feminine
The English word 'guardianship' is translated into Spanish as tutela.
Tutela refers to the position or state of guardianship. A common way to express that someone is under the care or supervision of a person or institution is to use the phrase bajo la tutela de (under the guardianship of).
Meaning: position (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish tutela from custodia. While tutela refers to the legal concept of guardianship or protection, custodia specifically refers to the physical custody of a person.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the word tutoría is used to refer to guardianship.
How does it change in a sentence?
Tutela is a feminine noun and is used with the feminine article la, as in la tutela.
How do you pronounce it?
/tuˈtela/
Did you know?
- In Colombia, tutela refers to a powerful legal tool called acción de tutela, which allows citizens to request immediate protection of their fundamental rights from a judge.
- While tutela is the legal term, the related word tutor is commonly used in schools to describe a homeroom teacher or a student advisor.
- The word tutela is a cognate of the English word 'tutorial', as both derive from the Latin root meaning to protect or guard.
Examples in context
- La tutela del niño fue otorgada al abuelo.Guardianship of the child was granted to the grandfather.
- El juez decidió otorgarles la custodia legal compartida.The judge decided to grant them joint legal custody.
- Ella asumió la responsabilidad legal de su hermano menor.She took on the legal responsibility for her younger brother.
- El abuelo tiene la tutoría de su nieto.The grandfather has guardianship of his grandson.
- La patria potestad fue otorgada al padre.The guardianship was granted to the father.
- Ella asumió la tutela de su sobrino.She assumed guardianship of her nephew.
- El juez otorgó la tutela al padre.The judge granted guardianship to the father.
- La tutela legal es necesaria para el viaje.Legal guardianship is necessary for the trip.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing a legal matter regarding a child.
- Mateo¿Quién tiene la tutela del niño?Who has guardianship of the child?
- SofíaSu abuela tiene la tutela ahora.His grandmother has the guardianship now.
- MateoEs una gran responsabilidad para ella.It is a great responsibility for her.
- SofíaSí, pero ella lo cuida muy bien.Yes, but she takes very good care of him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “guardianship” translations and entries tutela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tutela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
