Protéjese

Protéjese is a Spanish imperative form meaning “protect yourself,” used as a directive addressed to someone in the formal you (usted). It is the reflexive command derived from the verb protegerse, and is commonly found in public health, safety, and personal-care contexts.

In grammar terms, protéjese is the affirmative Usted command of protegerse, with the reflexive pronoun attached to the end of the verb. The accent on é helps preserve the correct pronunciation: pro-té-JE-se. The negative form is no se proteja. The word order and pronoun attachment follow standard rules for affirmative and negative commands with reflexive verbs.

Other related forms include protégete for tú (informal you) and protéjanse for ustedes (plural you). Corresponding negatives are no te protejas and no se protejan. Understanding these forms helps in interpreting signage, instructions, and health advisories across Spanish-speaking regions.

Common usage includes health and safety guidance, such as “Protéjese del sol” (Protect yourself from the sun) or “Protéjese de los riesgos” (Protect yourself from risks). It may also appear in travel advisories, workplace safety notices, or personal-care recommendations, always mirroring the reflexive action of taking steps to safeguard one’s own well-being.

Etymology notes: protéjese combines the verb proteger with the reflexive pronoun se, forming a command that instructs the listener to safeguard themselves.