protector
/pɾoteɡˈtoɾ/
The Spanish word for protective is protector.
The word is used to describe something that is serving, intended or wishing to protect.
Meaning: serving, intended or wishing to protect (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use protectora for feminine singular nouns, protectores for masculine plural nouns and protectoras for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoteɡˈtoɾ/
When do people say it?
In a figurative sense, the term Papá/Mamá gallina (literally hen father/mother) can be used to refer to parents who are extremely protective.
Did you know?
- The word protector shares a deep linguistic root with the English word 'steg', found in 'stegosaurus', because both come from the Proto-Indo-European root for 'covering'.
- While protector is an adjective, it is also a common noun in Spanish used to describe things like a screen protector or a surge protector.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, describing a person as protectora can imply a sense of maternal warmth rather than just a functional or physical shield.
Examples in context
- Esta pomada hará de capa protectora sobre la quemadura.This salve will act as a protective film over the burn.This sentence shows how to use protector as an adjective describing a film.Tatoeba #2252953 by cueyayotl, translation #2252951 by _undertoad
- El kendo es un arte marcial japonesa que utiliza espadas de bambú y armadura protectora.Kendo is a Japanese martial art which uses bamboo swords and protective armour.This sentence shows how to use protector as an adjective describing armour.Tatoeba #11936581 by Seael, translation #6297791 by Hybrid
- una familia protectoraA protective familyThis sentence shows how to use protector as an adjective describing a family.
- Es una madre protectoraShe is a protective mother
- Es un padre muy cuidadosoHe is a very protective father
- Es importante tomar medidas preventivas para estar protegido/aIt's important to take preventive measures to be protected
- Mi mamá es una mamá gallinaMy mom is a protective mother hen
- El padre protectorThe protective father
- La madre protectoraThe protective mother
- Los padres protectoresThe protective fathers
- Las madres protectorasThe protective mothers
- Un amigo protectorA protective friend
- Un guardaespaldas protectorA protective bodyguard
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are choosing outdoor gear for a hiking trip.
- Lucía¿Necesitamos un casco protector para la escalada?Do we need a protective helmet for the climbing?
- MateoSí, es mejor usar un equipo protector siempre.Yes, it is better to always use protective gear.
- LucíaTengo un par de guantes con material protector.I have a pair of gloves with protective material.
- MateoPerfecto, eso nos ayudará mucho en la ruta.Perfect, that will help us a lot on the route.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “protective” translations and entries protector, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries protector, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
