Protejo

Protejo is the first-person singular present indicative form of the Spanish verb proteger, meaning I protect. It is used with the subject yo to express a current or habitual action of safeguarding someone or something.

Etymology and meaning: proteger comes from Latin protegere, with the sense of guarding or sheltering from harm. In modern Spanish it covers physical protection, legal or moral defense, and safeguarding of data, rights, or belongings.

Conjugation and usage: In the present tense, proteger is conjugated as protejo, proteges, protege, protegemos, protegéis, protegen. The yo form protejo uses the letter j before the o, a spelling pattern that results from the verb’s -ger ending when the first-person form is formed. The present indicative is used to state facts about protection in the current moment or general statements.

Orthography and related forms: The verb’s past participle is protegido, and related nouns include protección and protector. The present subjunctive form is proteja, and the imperative forms include protege (informal singular) and proteja (formal singular).

Usage notes: Protejo is a common, everyday verb in discussions of safety, security, or guardianship. It also appears in figurative language, such as protecting a tradition, a responsibility, or personal data. Like many Spanish verbs, it often appears with direct objects or indirect complements to specify what is being protected.

See also: proteger, protección, protector, protegido.