sobreprotector
/sobɾepɾoteɡtoɾ/from spelling rules
The English word overprotective is translated into Spanish as sobreprotector.
The term is an adjective used to describe someone who is excessively protective.
Meaning: excessively protective (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix sobre- (meaning over or above) and protector (meaning protector).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the person being described. Use the feminine form sobreprotectora for women. If you are describing a group consisting only of women, use the feminine plural form sobreprotectoras.
How do you pronounce it?
/sobɾepɾoteɡtoɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of being sobreprotector is often linked to the term mamitis, a colloquial way to describe an adult who is still overly dependent on their mother's care.
- The word sobre is a polysemous powerhouse in Spanish, meaning 'over' in this adjective, but also 'about' when discussing a topic and 'envelope' when used as a noun.
- In Spanish, the word sobre- can be used to create several other 'excessive' adjectives, such as sobrealimentado for overfed or sobreexcitado for overexcited.
Examples in context
- Mi mamá es sobreprotectora.My mom is overprotective.This sentence uses the form sobreprotector to describe a mother.Tatoeba #2283775 by marcelostockle, translation #2282406 by Hybrid
- Muchos de mis amigos piensan que Tom y Mary son padres sobreprotectores.Many of my friends think that Tom and Mary are overprotective parents.This sentence uses the form sobreprotector to describe parents.Tatoeba #1206763 by nancy, translation #1096139 by CK
- Mi padre es muy sobreprotector y siempre quiere saber dónde estoy.My father is very overprotective and always wants to know where I am.
- Mi amiga es demasiado protectora con sus hijos, nunca los deja salir solos.My friend is too overprotective with her children, she never lets them go out alone.
- Mi madre está siempre demasiado encima de mí y no me deja hacer nada.My mother is always on top of me and doesn't let me do anything.
- Tu hermano es un poco sobreprotector.Your brother is a bit overprotective.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a friend's family.
- María¿Crees que su padre es sobreprotector?Do you think his father is overprotective?
- DanielSí, es demasiado sobreprotector con él.Yes, he is too overprotective with him.
- MaríaEso es muy difícil para el hijo.That is very difficult for the son.
- DanielTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
