custodio
[kʊsˈtoː.di.oː]
The English phrase "I guard" is translated into Latin as custodio.
custodio is used to state that you are protecting or watching over someone or something.
What does it mean word for word?
The suffix -o in custodio indicates that the subject is the first-person singular "I".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the present tense, the verb changes based on the subject: custodias means "you guard" (second-person singular), custodit means "he/she/it guards" (third-person singular) and custodimus means "we guard" (first-person plural).
Did you know?
- Ancient Romans used the concept of guarding to describe the 'custody' of the mind. A philosopher might use a form of custodio to describe protecting one's thoughts from external distractions.
- The Latin word custodio is the direct ancestor of the English word 'custody'. However, while the Latin focuses on the active process of guarding, the English descendant shifted to mean the legal right to protect someone.
- While custodio implies protection, a Roman would switch to vigilo to specify they were guarding specifically by staying awake at night.
Examples in context
- Custodio civitatemI guard the city
- Custodio sacramentaI guard the secrets
- Hunc locum custodio.I guard this place.
- Aurum tuum custodio.I guard your gold.
- Vigilia mea est et te custodio.It is my watch and I guard you.
Example conversation
Lucius is standing watch over Aurelia's belongings.
- LuciusCustodio res tuas, Aurelia.I guard your things, Aurelia.
- AureliaGratias tibi ago, Luci.Thank you, Lucius.
- LuciusNihil timeas.Fear nothing.
- AureliaScias me tibi credere.Know that I trust you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry custodio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries custodio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
