Meaning
caretaker, custodian, guard
- caretaker, janitor
- custodian, guardian
In a sentence
Il custode chiude il palazzo ogni sera.
The caretaker closes the building every evening.
Hai visto il custode della scuola stamattina?
Did you see the school caretaker this morning?
Il custode non ha aperto il cancello oggi.
The caretaker didn't open the gate today.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| custode | masculine · singular |
| custodi | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Often means a school janitor or building caretaker, not just a guard. For pure security roles, guardia or vigilante may fit better.
- In schools, il custode is less common than bidello/collaboratore scolastico in everyday Italian.
- Can be feminine: custode is often invariable, so both il custode and la custode are common.