de guardia
/de ˈɡwaɾdja/
The English phrase "on call" can be translated into Spanish as de guardia. If unsure, use de guardia. Wiktionary also lists disponible.
Meaning: available to be summoned (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| de guardia | /de ˈɡwaɾdja/ |
| disponible | /dispoˈnible/ |
de guardia is the standard way to describe medical professionals or technicians who are on a standby rotation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase de guardia literally translates to "of guard" or "on guard".
Which one should you use?
de guardia implies being on a scheduled shift or duty where one must be ready to respond, whereas disponible simply means being available or free.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase de guardia is invariable. It does not change for gender or number even if the subject is plural or feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/de ˈɡwaɾdja/
Did you know?
- The word guardia in the phrase de guardia shares a common ancestor with the English word 'ward', which is why both can refer to sections of a hospital.
- The phrase de guardia is used in military contexts to describe a soldier who is literally standing sentry, bridging the gap between professional standby and physical guarding.
- While de guardia refers to being 'on call', the word guardia is also used to refer to a member of the Guardia Civil, a gendarmerie-style police force in Spain.
Examples in context
- Estoy de guardia en el hospital.I'm on call in the hospital.This sentence is useful for stating that you are on call at a hospital using de guardia.Tatoeba #6730188 by arh, translation #9564963 by DJ_Saidez
- Hoy estoy de guardia en el trabajo.I'm on call at work today.This sentence is useful for stating that you are on call at work today using de guardia.Tatoeba #6730187 by arh, translation #9564939 by DJ_Saidez
- Estoy de guardia este fin de semanaI am on call this weekend
- Estaré disponible en todo momentoI will be on call at all times
- El médico está en servicio hoyThe doctor is on call today
- El médico está de guardia esta noche.The doctor is on call tonight.
Example conversation
Sofía calls Alejandro to see if he can go out for dinner.
- Sofía¿Puedes salir a cenar con nosotros?Can you go out to dinner with us?
- AlejandroNo puedo, hoy estoy de guardia.I can't, I am on call today.
- SofíaQué lástima, qué pena que no puedas.What a shame, it's a pity you can't.
- AlejandroSí, pero estaré libre mañana.Yes, but I will be free tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “on call” translations and entries de guardia, disponible, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, disponible, guardia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
