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"Proteger" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to protect", and "amparar" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to protect". Learn more about the difference between "proteger" and "amparar" below.
proteger(
proh
-
teh
-
hehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
protegerse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to protect oneself
Protégete al caminar por el área de construcción.Protect yourself as you walk along the construction area.
b. to shelter
Nos protegimos de la nieve en el restaurante acogedor.We sheltered from the snow in the cozy restaurant.
amparar(
ahm
-
pah
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to protect
El Estado tiene la obligación de amparar la libertad de expresión.The state has an obligation to protect freedom of expression.
2. (to shield)
a. to shelter
Después del terremoto, la prioridad es amparar a las personas de la lluvia y el frío.After the earthquake, the priority is to shelter people from rain and the cold.
b. to give shelter to
Este centro comunitario se creó para amparar a las personas sin hogar.This community center was created to give shelter to homeless people.
ampararse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to seek protection
Él se amparó en el derecho humanitario para evitar su deportación.He sought protection from humanitarian law to avoid deportation.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Se amparó en la ley para declarase en quiebra y poder negociar sus deudas.He exercised his right to declare bankruptcy and negotiate his debt.
El acusado se amparó en su inmunidad diplomática para evitar ser encarcelado.The accused used his diplomatic immunity to protect himself from incarceration.
a. to shelter oneself
Tuvimos que entrar corriendo a un almacén para ampararnos de la tormenta.We had to run into a warehouse to shelter ourselves from the storm.
b. to seek protection
Empezó a llover y corrimos a la tienda más cerca para ampararnos de los elementos.It started raining and we ran to the nearest store to seek protection from the elements.
