guardar
/ɡwaɾˈdaɾ/
The Spanish phrase for 'to keep' is guardar.
Guardar is used when you want to put something in a safe place for future use, such as storing an object. It is also used for 'to save' (like saving money or a digital file) and for keeping abstract concepts like secrets or promises.
Which one should you use?
While guardar refers to keeping or storing something in a specific place, mantener is used when you want to keep a state, a level or a physical condition, such as keeping a room at a certain temperature or keeping a conversation going.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the verbs guardar and meter are commonly used as synonyms for 'to keep' or 'to put away'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle guardado can be used as an adjective to describe something that has been kept or stored.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡwaɾˈdaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb guardar is an example of a Germanic word that entered the Spanish language through Early Medieval Latin. It originates from the Proto-Germanic word wardō, meaning 'to watch'.
- When a Spanish speaker tells you ¡Guarda silencio!, they are not asking you to save silence for later. They are telling you to be quiet or to keep still.
- The expression guardar las apariencias means 'to keep up appearances'. It describes the social act of pretending everything is fine to avoid public embarrassment.
Examples in context
- Yo sé guardar un secreto.I know how to keep a secret.This sentence shows how to use guardar regarding a secret.Tatoeba #2391504 by hayastan, translation #2375943 by CK
- Le prometí guardar el secreto.I promised him to keep it secret.Tatoeba #1001499 by Shishir, translation #260311 by CK
- Él me pidió que guardara el secreto.He requested me to keep it secret.Tatoeba #710177 by Shishir, translation #297513 by U2FS
- Debes mantener la limpieza en tu área de trabajo.You should keep cleanliness in your work area.
- Me voy a quedar con este libro.I'm going to keep this book for myself.
- Voy a guardar/meter la ropa en el armario.I'm going to keep/put away the clothes in the closet.
- Quiero guardar la comida en el refrigerador.I want to keep the food in the refrigerator.
- Me quedo con tu libro.I'm keeping your book.
- Necesito conservar mi pasaporte en un lugar seguro.I need to keep my passport in a safe place.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are organizing their new apartment.
- María¿Dónde quieres guardar los libros?Where do you want to keep the books?
- DanielPuedes guardarlos en aquel estante, María.You can keep them on that shelf, María.
- MaríaEstá bien, los guardaré allí ahora mismo.Okay, I will keep them there right now.
- DanielGracias, así todo estará ordenado.Thanks, that way everything will be organized.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry guardar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries guardar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
