guardar
Lemma Details
Translation: to keep; to save; to store; to guard; to protect; to preserve; to retain; to put away; to maintain
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Guardar comes from the Germanic word 'wardōn' (to watch over, guard), which entered Spanish through Vulgar Latin 'guardare'. This same Germanic root gave English 'ward', 'warden', and 'guard'. The connection between 'guardar' and 'guard' is clear, though Spanish expanded the meaning to include keeping and saving things, not just protecting them.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Guardo mis ahorros en el banco.
I keep my savings in the bank.
Por favor, guarda estos documentos en un lugar seguro.
Please store these documents in a safe place.
El perro guarda la casa cuando no estamos.
The dog guards the house when we're not there.
Guardamos silencio durante la ceremonia.
We maintained silence during the ceremony.
¿Puedes guardarme el secreto?
Can you keep my secret?
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'guard' who keeps (guards) valuable items safe.
- Remember 'ward' in English (as in 'warden') which shares the same root and similar meaning of protection.
- Visualize a 'guardarropa' (wardrobe) where you keep (guard) your clothes.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'guardar' has a broad range of uses beyond just physical protection. It's commonly used for saving money, keeping secrets, preserving traditions, and storing items. The concept of 'guardar las distancias' (keeping one's distance) is important in social contexts, especially in more formal or traditional settings.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'guardar' means to keep or guard, 'mirar' means to look at or watch. Both can involve attention to something, but in different ways.
Notes: The confusion might arise because both can involve watching over something, but 'guardar' implies protection while 'mirar' is just visual observation.
Mnemonic: Guard (guardar) your possessions; look (mirar) with your eyes.
Explanation: 'Guardar' means to keep or store something, while 'cuidar' means to take care of or look after something or someone. They overlap in the sense of protection but differ in active involvement.
Notes: Both involve protection, but 'cuidar' implies more active nurturing and attention, especially for living things.
Mnemonic: You guard (guardar) objects, but care for (cuidar) living beings.