This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
B2 verb 9 min read

custodire

Examples custodire in 30 Seconds
Explanation custodire in your Level:
At the A1 level, you can think of 'custodire' as a special way to say 'to keep.' While you usually learn 'tenere' first, you might see 'custodire' when talking about keeping a secret or keeping your keys safe. It is a 'doing' word (verb). You use it when you want to show that something is important to you. For example, if you have a secret, you 'custodisci' it. It is like putting a treasure in a box and locking it so it stays safe. Just remember that it is a bit more 'serious' than just holding something in your hand. In Italian, we say 'custodire un segreto' (to keep a secret). Even at this level, it's good to know that it's a verb that needs an object—you always keep *something* safe. Don't worry about the hard grammar yet, just remember it means 'to keep safe.'
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the A2 level, you start to see 'custodire' in more common situations, like at a museum or a hotel. A 'custode' is the person who guards a place. The verb 'custodire' describes what they do. You might use it to ask someone to watch your bag for a moment: 'Può custodire la mia borsa?' This is more formal and polite than just saying 'watch this.' You are also learning more verbs, so it's important to see that 'custodire' is for things you care about. It's not for keeping a pen you found on the floor; it's for keeping your house safe or keeping your family traditions alive. You will notice it ends in '-ire,' but it is a special group that uses '-isc-' in the present tense. For example, 'Io custodisco' (I guard). This is the most important thing to practice at this level.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B1 level, you are moving beyond simple physical objects. You can use 'custodire' for abstract ideas. You 'custodisci' memories (ricordi), values (valori), and hopes (speranze). It becomes a very emotional word. You might read it in stories where a character 'custodisce' a deep desire in their heart. Grammatically, you should be comfortable using it in the past tense (passato prossimo: 'ho custodito') and the imperfect (imperfetto: 'custodivo'). The imperfect is very common because guarding something is often a continuous action that happened in the past. For example, 'Il cane custodiva la casa ogni notte' (The dog used to guard the house every night). You are also starting to see how it differs from 'proteggere'—'custodire' is more about the act of keeping it with you and keeping it safe.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B2 level, 'custodire' is a word you should use to add nuance to your speaking and writing. You understand that it implies a duty of care. It is frequently used in formal or literary contexts. You might discuss how a country 'custodisce' its cultural heritage (patrimonio culturale). You can also use it in the passive voice to describe how things are kept: 'I documenti sono custoditi nell'archivio.' You should be aware of the adverb 'gelosamente' (jealously/zealously) which is almost always paired with this verb to mean guarding something very strictly. At this level, you should also recognize the noun 'custodia' (custody/case), like 'una custodia per il cellulare' (a phone case). You are expected to use the correct 'isc' conjugation without thinking twice.
At the C1 level, you appreciate the poetic and philosophical depth of 'custodire.' It is used to describe the preservation of truth, the guarding of one's soul, or the stewardship of the planet. You might encounter it in high-level journalism or academic essays regarding 'la custodia del creato' (the care of creation/the environment). You should be able to distinguish between 'custodire,' 'preservare,' and 'tutelare' (to safeguard/protect legally). 'Custodire' remains the most personal and active of these. You can use it in complex sentence structures, including the subjunctive: 'È necessario che noi custodiamo i nostri diritti' (It is necessary that we guard our rights). Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's Latin roots and its resonance in Italian history and art.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, 'custodire' is a tool for precise expression. You use it to evoke a sense of timelessness and sacred duty. You might use it in a metaphorical sense, such as 'custodire il silenzio' (to maintain/guard the silence), which implies a deliberate and almost ritualistic choice to remain quiet. You understand the subtle differences in register—how 'custodire' elevates a sentence compared to 'tenere.' You are familiar with its use in classical literature and modern legal theory. You can use the word to discuss the 'custodia cautelare' (preventive detention) in a legal context or the 'custodia dei figli' (child custody) in a social context, navigating these different domains with ease. Your mastery allows you to use the verb to create imagery, such as a landscape that 'custodisce' the secrets of an ancient civilization.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples

custodire in 30 Seconds

  • Custodire means to safeguard or guard something valuable.
  • It is an '-isc-' verb in the present tense (io custodisco).
  • It covers physical guarding, keeping secrets, and preserving traditions.
  • It implies a duty of care and active protection.

The Italian verb custodire is a sophisticated and evocative term that translates most directly to 'to keep safe,' 'to guard,' or 'to cherish.' While English speakers might use 'keep' or 'look after' in a variety of mundane contexts, custodire carries a weight of responsibility and intentionality. It suggests that the object being kept is valuable, fragile, or secret, and requires active protection from harm, loss, or prying eyes. This verb is deeply rooted in the concept of stewardship—the idea that one has been entrusted with something of significance.

Physical Protection
In its most literal sense, it refers to guarding physical objects or places. A museum guard (un custode) is there to custodire the masterpieces. It implies a constant state of vigilance. For example, 'Il cane custodisce la casa' (The dog guards the house) implies the dog is actively watching for intruders.
Emotional and Abstract Keeping
Beyond the physical, custodire is frequently used for secrets, memories, and values. To 'custodire un segreto' is more intense than just 'keeping' it; it implies that the secret is a treasure that must never be revealed. Similarly, 'custodire un ricordo' suggests that a memory is being nurtured and protected within one's heart to prevent it from fading over time.

È importante custodire le tradizioni della nostra famiglia per le generazioni future.

Translation: It is important to safeguard our family traditions for future generations.

You will encounter this word in literature, formal speeches, and legal documents, but it is also perfectly common in daily conversation when the speaker wants to emphasize the value of what is being held. It is the verb of the curator, the guardian, and the loyal friend. When you use custodire, you are communicating that you recognize the worth of what you are holding and that you are committed to its preservation.

Ho promesso di custodire questo anello come se fosse il mio tesoro più prezioso.

Il silenzio delle montagne sembra custodire antichi misteri.

Legal and Formal Contexts
In legal terms, custodire relates to the duty of care. A person might be appointed to 'custodire' assets during a dispute. This implies a legal liability if the assets are damaged. In a religious context, saints are often described as those who 'custodiscono' the faith or the church.

Dobbiamo custodire gelosamente la nostra libertà.

Using custodire correctly requires understanding its nature as a transitive verb, meaning it almost always takes a direct object. You are always safeguarding something or someone. Because it is a verb of the third conjugation ending in '-ire' that follows the '-isc-' pattern, its conjugation is a key technical point for learners.

The Direct Object
The most common objects of custodire include: segreti (secrets), chiavi (keys), documenti (documents), bambini (children), and valori (values). Notice how these range from physical items to abstract concepts.
Adverbial Pairings
It is very common to see custodire paired with the adverb gelosamente (jealously/zealously). 'Custodire gelosamente' means to guard something with extreme care, as if you are afraid of losing it or having it stolen. Other adverbs include con cura (with care) and attentamente (attentively).

L'archivio custodisce documenti che risalgono al quindicesimo secolo.

The archive preserves documents dating back to the fifteenth century.

In the present tense, remember to insert '-isc-' in the singular forms and the third-person plural: io custodisco, tu custodisci, lui/lei custodisce, loro custodiscono. The 'noi' and 'voi' forms remain regular: noi custodiamo, voi custodite. This is a common point of error for intermediate students who might try to say 'io custodo,' which is incorrect.

Puoi custodire la mia borsa per un momento?

Il nonno custodiva gelosamente le sue vecchie lettere d'amore.

The Imperative Form
When giving a command or a piece of advice, you might say 'Custodisci bene questo!' (Keep this well!). In a more formal or poetic setting, you might hear 'Custodite la pace' (Guard the peace).

Non è facile custodire la speranza in tempi difficili.

While custodire might sound a bit formal, it is pervasive in Italian life because of the country's immense focus on heritage, family, and privacy. You will hear it in various social and professional spheres, each adding a layer of meaning to the word.

At the Museum or Gallery
Italy is a 'museo a cielo aperto' (an open-air museum). In any gallery, you will see signs or hear guides talking about how certain artifacts are custoditi. 'Questa sala custodisce i resti dell'antica Roma.' It creates an atmosphere of reverence for history.
In the Family Home
Italian culture places a high value on family secrets and heirlooms. A mother might tell her child, 'Custodisci questo ciondolo, era di tua nonna.' It’s a way of passing down responsibility along with the object. It’s also used when asking someone to watch your luggage at a train station: 'Può custodire i miei bagagli per un attimo?' (Though 'dare un'occhiata' is more informal, 'custodire' implies you really want them to keep it safe).

Il Vaticano custodisce una delle biblioteche più importanti del mondo.

In the news and media, custodire is often used in stories about environmental protection. Activists speak about the need to 'custodire il territorio' (guard the land) against overdevelopment or pollution. This framing turns environmentalism into a duty of guardianship.

Gli archivi segreti custodiscono verità ancora ignote al pubblico.

Chi custodisce le chiavi del magazzino stasera?

Literature and Poetry
Poets use custodire to describe the heart or the soul as a vessel. 'Custodire un amore' (to cherish a love) suggests that love is a flame that must be shielded from the wind. It adds a romantic, protective layer to the concept of affection.

Dobbiamo custodire la bellezza del nostro paesaggio.

Even for advanced learners, custodire can present some pitfalls. These usually fall into two categories: morphological (how the word is formed) and semantic (choosing the right 'keep' verb).

The 'ISC' Trap
The most frequent grammatical error is forgetting that custodire is an '-isc-' verb. Many students conjugate it like 'partire' (io parto) instead of like 'finire' (io finisco). Saying 'io custodo' or 'loro custodingo' is a hallmark of a beginner. Always remember: io custodisco.
Overusing it for 'Keep'
English speakers often want to use custodire every time they want to say 'keep.' However, if you want to say 'keep the change,' you use tenere ('tenga il resto'). If you want to say 'keep going,' you use continuare. Custodire is specifically for 'keeping safe.' Using it for mundane keeping sounds overly dramatic or simply wrong.

SBAGLIATO: Io custodo il tuo segreto.

CORRETTO: Io custodisco il tuo segreto.

Another mistake is confusing custodire with curare. While both involve taking care of something, curare is more about maintenance, treatment, or attention (like 'caring for a garden' or 'treating an illness'), whereas custodire is about protection and preventing loss.

SBAGLIATO: Devo custodire a mio fratello.

CORRETTO: Devo custodire mio fratello.

Finally, watch out for the spelling. It is custo-DI-re, not custo-DE-re. Because the noun is 'custode,' students often assume the verb follows the same vowel pattern in the infinitive, but it is a standard third-conjugation verb ending.

To truly master custodire, you must see how it fits into the web of similar Italian verbs. Choosing the right one depends entirely on the context of 'keeping' or 'guarding' you wish to convey.

Sorvegliare
This means 'to watch over' or 'to monitor.' It is more about the act of looking. You sorveglia a prisoner or a construction site. While custodire implies protection, sorvegliare implies observation to ensure nothing goes wrong.
Preservare
This is very close to custodire but focuses on keeping something in its original state, often against the passage of time or decay. You preserva the environment or an ancient tradition. Custodire is more about active guarding, while preservare is about maintenance.
Proteggere
The most general term for 'to protect.' You can proteggere someone from the rain with an umbrella. Custodire is a specific way of protecting—by keeping the thing close and safe.

Confronto:

  • Tenere: To hold/keep (neutral).
  • Custodire: To safeguard (protective).
  • Mantenere: To maintain/sustain (functional).

When dealing with secrets, you might also use mantenere (mantenere un segreto), but custodire adds a layer of 'sacredness' to the secret. If you are 'keeping' a place for someone in a line, you would use tenere ('mi tieni il posto?'), never custodire, as a spot in a queue isn't a treasure to be guarded!

L'esercito deve difendere i confini, ma i cittadini devono custodire la democrazia.

Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Io custodisco il tuo segreto.

I keep your secret safe.

Uses the -isc ending for 'io'.

2

Lui custodisce le chiavi.

He keeps the keys.

Third person singular present tense.

3

Noi custodiamo la casa.

We guard the house.

Regular -ire ending for 'noi'.

4

Puoi custodire questo per me?

Can you keep this safe for me?

Infinitive after the modal verb 'potere'.

5

Il cane custodisce il giardino.

The dog guards the garden.

Subject-verb agreement.

6

Devi custodire bene il tuo libro.

You must keep your book well (safe).

Use of 'devi' + infinitive.

7

Loro custodiscono i giocattoli.

They keep the toys safe.

Third person plural with -isc.

8

Custodisci questo regalo.

Keep this gift safe.

Imperative (command) form.

1

Il custode custodisce il museo.

The guard guards the museum.

Noun and verb from the same root.

2

Ho custodito i tuoi documenti ieri.

I kept your documents safe yesterday.

Passato prossimo with 'avere'.

3

Voi custodite sempre le tradizioni.

You (plural) always keep the traditions.

Regular second person plural.

4

È importante custodire la natura.

It is important to safeguard nature.

Impersonal expression with infinitive.

5

Lei custodisce un vecchio orologio.

She keeps an old watch safe.

Singular present tense.

6

Potete custodire i miei bagagli?

Can you (plural) watch my luggage?

Question form with 'potere'.

7

Mio padre custodiva i suoi attrezzi.

My father used to keep his tools safe.

Imperfect tense for past habits.

8

Custodiamo i nostri sogni.

Let's keep our dreams safe.

First person plural present/exhortative.

1

Lei custodisce gelosamente il suo diario.

She jealously guards her diary.

Use of the adverb 'gelosamente'.

2

Abbiamo custodito la speranza fino alla fine.

We kept hope safe until the end.

Abstract direct object.

3

Il castello custodisce molti misteri.

The castle guards many mysteries.

Metaphorical use of the verb.

4

Spero che tu custodisca questo ricordo.

I hope that you keep this memory safe.

Present subjunctive after 'sperare'.

5

I gioielli erano custoditi in banca.

The jewels were kept safe in the bank.

Passive voice in the imperfect.

6

Chi custodirà il futuro dei nostri figli?

Who will safeguard the future of our children?

Future tense.

7

L'archivio custodiva lettere antiche.

The archive was keeping ancient letters.

Imperfect tense.

8

Custodite bene queste informazioni.

Keep this information safe (plural command).

Imperative plural.

1

Dobbiamo custodire il patrimonio artistico.

We must safeguard the artistic heritage.

Collective noun as object.

2

L'uomo custodisce un segreto inconfessabile.

The man guards an unspeakable secret.

Adjective 'inconfessabile' adds complexity.

3

Il mare custodisce i resti di antiche navi.

The sea guards the remains of ancient ships.

Nature as a poetic subject.

4

Se avessi saputo, avrei custodito meglio il vaso.

If I had known, I would have kept the vase safer.

Past conditional in a hypothetical sentence.

5

Le guardie custodiscono l'ingresso del palazzo.

The guards guard the palace entrance.

Plural present tense.

6

È un valore da custodire con cura.

It is a value to be guarded with care.

Prepositional phrase 'da custodire'.

7

Lui ha custodito la sua integrità morale.

He maintained his moral integrity.

Abstract moral concept.

8

Custodendo il fuoco, hanno passato la notte.

By guarding the fire, they spent the night.

Gerund used to describe a simultaneous action.

1

La biblioteca custodisce manoscritti rari.

The library preserves rare manuscripts.

Professional/Academic context.

2

Bisogna custodire l'equilibrio dell'ecosistema.

It is necessary to safeguard the balance of the ecosystem.

Environmental scientific context.

3

Il cuore custodisce verità che la ragione ignora.

The heart guards truths that reason ignores.

Philosophical/Literary tone.

4

Nonostante tutto, ha custodito la sua dignità.

Despite everything, she preserved her dignity.

Adversative phrase introduction.

5

Le mura custodiscono la memoria della città.

The walls guard the memory of the city.

Personification of architecture.

6

Chi custodisce i custodi stessi?

Who guards the guardians themselves?

Rhetorical question (Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?).

7

Hanno custodito il silenzio per decenni.

They maintained the silence for decades.

Metaphorical object (silence).

8

Il trattato mira a custodire la pace globale.

The treaty aims to safeguard global peace.

Political/Legal terminology.

1

L'opera custodisce l'essenza dell'animo umano.

The work preserves the essence of the human soul.

High-level artistic criticism.

2

Custodire la sacralità della vita è un dovere.

Safeguarding the sacredness of life is a duty.

Ethical/Theological discourse.

3

La terra custodisce le tracce del nostro passaggio.

The earth preserves the traces of our passage.

Existential/Geological context.

4

Egli custodiva in sé un dolore inesprimibile.

He carried within himself an inexpressible pain.

Internalized emotional state.

5

La lingua custodisce l'identità di un popolo.

Language preserves the identity of a people.

Sociolinguistic concept.

6

Il tempio custodisce la fiamma eterna.

The temple guards the eternal flame.

Mythological/Ritualistic use.

7

Pare che il bosco voglia custodire i suoi segreti.

It seems the forest wants to guard its secrets.

Use of the subjunctive 'voglia'.

8

Custodire la verità richiede coraggio.

Guarding the truth requires courage.

Abstract philosophical subject.

Common Collocations

custodire un segreto
custodire gelosamente
custodire la memoria
custodire le chiavi
custodire i figli
custodire un tesoro
custodire la fede
custodire con cura
custodire il territorio
custodire la pace

Common Phrases

Farsi custodire

— To have oneself guarded or looked after by someone else.

Si è fatto custodire dai suoi amici durante il viaggio.

Custodire nel cuore

— To keep a feeling or memory very close to oneself emotionally.

Custodirò questo momento nel cuore per sempre.

Custodire a vista

— To guard something while keeping it constantly in sight.

Il prigioniero era custodito a vista.

Custodire in cassaforte

— To keep something physically safe in a vault or safe.

Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!