Spanish Phrase
A veces me los guardo.
Meaning
This phrase expresses the act of retaining or saving specific items for one's own use rather than sharing or discarding them. The use of 'me' as a reflexive-style indirect object emphasizes that the action is done for the speaker's benefit, while 'los' refers to the plural masculine objects being kept.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing habits, such as what you do with leftovers, small gifts, or even secrets. It is appropriate for informal or semi-formal conversations about personal preferences and routines.
✦Grammar Breakdown
A vecesmelosguardo
A veces
A common frequency expression meaning 'sometimes' that can appear at the start or end of a sentence.
Double Object Pronouns
When using 'me' (for me) and 'los' (them) together, the indirect object always precedes the direct object.
Guardar
The verb 'guardar' means to keep, save, or put away; here it is in the first-person present tense.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué haces con los folletos que te dan en la calle?
What do you do with the brochures they give you on the street?
A veces me los guardo para leerlos después.
Sometimes I keep them to read them later.
✕Common Mistakes
A veces guardo los.
In Spanish, object pronouns must come before the conjugated verb, not after it.
A veces me los guarda.
The verb must be conjugated in the first person (guardo) to match the subject 'I'.
↔Alternatives
De vez en cuando me los quedo.
Every now and then I keep them.
A veces no los doy.
Sometimes I don't give them away.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, there is a strong emphasis on communal sharing. Using 'a veces' (sometimes) helps to soften the statement, making it sound less selfish and more like a specific habit or a practical choice.