Park ranger
Meaning: A uniformed employee of the National Park Service who manages, protects, and interprets public lands.
Park rangers are the iconic figures of American outdoor culture — flat hats, green uniforms, and encyclopedic knowledge of the land. They lead campfire talks, manage wildlife, rescue lost hikers, and protect some of America's greatest natural treasures. 'Ranger talk' (evening programs at campgrounds) are beloved traditions. Kids dream of being park rangers. The profession represents a life of service dedicated to nature and public lands. Rangers are deeply respected in outdoor communities.
Examples
- The park ranger gave an amazing talk about the geology of the canyon. 那位公园护林员做了一场关于峡谷地质的精彩讲解。El guardabosques dio una charla increíble sobre la geología del cañón.パークレンジャーが渓谷の地質について素晴らしい話をしてくれた。파크 레인저가 협곡의 지질에 대해 멋진 이야기를 해줬다.
- She became a park ranger because she wanted to protect these wild places. 她成为公园护林员是因为想要保护这些野生之地。Se hizo guardabosques porque quería proteger estos lugares salvajes.彼女はこの野生の場所を守りたくてパークレンジャーになった。그녀는 이 야생의 장소를 보호하고 싶어서 파크 레인저가 되었다.
- Ask the park ranger — they know every trail in this park. 去问公园护林员——他们熟悉这个公园里的每一条步道。Pregunta al guardabosques — conocen todos los senderos de este parque.パークレンジャーに聞いてみて——この公園のすべてのトレイルを知っているから。파크 레인저에게 물어봐 — 이 공원의 모든 트레일을 알고 있으니까.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: national parks, conservation, outdoors
Tone: respectful, admiring
✓ Do Say
- Ask the park ranger.去问公园护林员。Pregunta al guardabosques.パークレンジャーに聞いてみて。파크 레인저에게 물어봐.
- The ranger talk was fascinating.护林员的讲解太精彩了。La charla del guardabosques fue fascinante.レンジャーの話は面白かった。레인저 토크 정말 흥미로웠어.
✗ Don't Say
- Rangers are underpaid and overworked — support the National Park Service.护林员工资低、工作量大——请支持国家公园管理局。Los guardabosques están mal pagados y sobrecargados de trabajo — apoya al Servicio de Parques Nacionales.レンジャーは低賃金で過重労働——国立公園局を支援しよう。레인저들은 저임금에 과로한다 — 국립공원관리청을 지지해줄 것.
Origin & History
The National Park Service was established in 1916. Park rangers have been the face of public lands conservation ever since.
Cultural Context
Era: 1916–present
Generation: All generations
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: All regions — national parks and forests nationwide
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