carcelero
/kaɾθeˈleɾo/masculine
The English word 'jailer' is translated into Spanish as carcelero. It is also spelled guardacárcel. Wiktionary also lists guardiacárcel.
Meaning: one who guards inmates (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| carcelero | /kaɾθeˈleɾo/ /kaɾseˈleɾo/ |
masculine |
| guardiacárcel | /ˌɡwaɾdjaˈkaɾθel/ /ˌɡwaɾdjaˈkaɾsel/ |
masculine |
| guardacárcel | /ˌɡwaɾdaˈkaɾθel/ /ˌɡwaɾdaˈkaɾsel/ |
masculine, alternative form |
This noun refers to a person who guards inmates.
Which one should you use?
carcelero is a common term for a jailer, whereas guardiacárcel is a more descriptive compound noun meaning 'prison guard'. Note that guardacárcel is an alternative spelling of guardiacárcel.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun carcelero changes its ending to -a to form the feminine version carcelera.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾθeˈleɾo/
Did you know?
- The word carcelero shares a root with the English word 'cancel', as both trace back to the Latin 'cancelli' meaning 'latticework' or 'crossbars'.
- The suffix -ero in carcelero is a productive tool in Spanish used to turn a place or object into a profession, similar to how panadero is a baker from pan meaning 'bread'.
- While carcelero is the standard term, in many Latin American countries, you might hear the word custodio used to describe the same role in a more formal, institutional sense.
Examples in context
- El conformismo es el carcelero de la libertad, y el enemigo del crecimiento.Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.Tatoeba #1346829 by marcelostockle, translation #706980 by papabear
- El guardián de prisión supervisaba el comportamiento de los reclusos.The prison guardian supervised the behavior of the inmates.
- El carcelero le dio permiso para visitar a su amigo en la cárcel.The jailer gave him permission to visit his friend in jail.
- El carcelero tiene las llaves de la celda.The jailer has the keys to the cell.
- Aquel carcelero parece muy estricto con los presos.That jailer seems very strict with the prisoners.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing a historical novel.
- MateoEl protagonista de la novela es un carcelero.The protagonist of the novel is a jailer.
- Sofía¿Es un carcelero amable o es cruel?Is he a kind jailer or is he cruel?
- MateoÉl es un carcelero muy solitario.He is a very lonely jailer.
- SofíaParece una historia muy interesante.It sounds like a very interesting story.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jailer” translations and entries carcelero, guardiacárcel, guardacárcel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carcelero, guardacárcel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
