protector solar
/pɾoteɡˌtoɾ soˈlaɾ/
In Spanish, sunscreen is protector solar.
The term refers to a cream that protects the skin from the sun. When you want to specify the SPF level, you should use factor de protección solar followed by the number. To express the act of applying sunscreen to yourself, use the reflexive verb phrase ponerse protector solar.
Meaning: cream that protects the skin from the sun (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase protector solar is composed of protector (protector) and solar (solar).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, filtro solar is commonly used. In Mexico and some Central American countries, the word bloqueador can be used alone to refer to sunscreen. Additionally, crema solar is a common alternative to protector solar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun protector is masculine, so it takes the masculine article el to mean 'the sunscreen' (el protector solar).
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoteɡˌtoɾ soˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- While protector solar is common, some Spanish speakers use bloqueador, which literally means 'blocker'. This reflects a conceptual difference between absorbing or filtering UV rays and blocking them entirely.
- The Spanish word protector comes from the Latin prōtēctor, which is built from the root tegō, meaning 'to cover'.
- In Spain, crema solar is very frequent, but in other countries, calling it a crema might be seen as too generic, as it could refer to any moisturizing lotion.
Examples in context
- Si pasas demasiado tiempo al sol sin ponerte protector solar, es probable que te quemes.If you spend too much time in the sun without putting on sunscreen, you are likely to get a sunburn.This sentence is useful for illustrating the consequence of not using protector solar.Tatoeba #1360737 by Shishir, translation #909546 by CK
- Si no quieres ponerte protector solar es tu problema, pero no vengas a quejarte conmigo cuando tengas quemaduras de sol.If you don't want to put on sunscreen, that's your problem. Just don't come complaining to me when you get a sunburn.This sentence shows how to express the idea of not wanting to use protector solar and the resulting consequences.Tatoeba #180568 by cueyayotl, translation #1684 by CM
- ¿Podrías ponerme protector solar en la espalda?Could you put sunscreen on my back?This sentence is a way to ask someone to apply protector solar to your back.Tatoeba #13695927 by mervert1, translation #9340294 by CK
- Es importante aplicar el protector solar cada dos horas.It's important to apply sunscreen every two hours.
- No te olvides de poner la crema solar antes de salir a la playa.Don't forget to put on sunscreen before going to the beach.
- ¿Tienes un poco de bloqueador solar?Do you have some sunscreen?
- Pásame el protector, por favor.Pass me the sunscreen, please.
- Me olvidé de traer el filtro solar para la excursión.I forgot to bring the sunscreen for the excursion.
- Voy a comprar bloqueador antes de ir a la playa.I'm going to buy sunscreen before going to the beach.
- Necesito un protector solar con factor de protección solar 30I need sunscreen with SPF 30
- No te olvides de reaplicar el protector solar cada dos horasDon't forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours
Example conversation
At the beach, Daniel is getting ready for the sun.
- DanielMaría, ¿tienes protector solar?María, do you have sunscreen?
- MaríaSí, tengo un protector solar en mi bolso.Yes, I have a sunscreen in my bag.
- DanielPerfecto, no quiero quemarme la cara.Perfect, I don't want to burn my face.
- MaríaEntonces, póntelo ahora mismo.Then, put it on right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry protector solar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries protector, solar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
