tenha cuidado
The English phrase 'be careful' is translated into Portuguese as tenha cuidado.
Tenha cuidado is a warning used to tell someone to avoid danger or mistakes. If you want to say 'be careful with [something/someone]', use the preposition com after the phrase, such as in tenha cuidado com o degrau (be careful with the step).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally a command to 'have care'.
Which one should you use?
While tenha cuidado is a warning to be cautious over a period of time, the single word cuidado! is used as an immediate exclamation for 'Watch out!' or 'Look out!' in a sudden moment of danger.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Seja cauteloso, meaning 'be cautious', is commonly used in Portugal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form tenha cuidado uses the subjunctive mood to express a polite or formal command (você).
Did you know?
- In Brazil, people often use the phrase vai com Deus (go with God) as a way to say 'be careful' when someone is leaving for a trip.
- The word cuidado can also mean 'affection' or 'tender care' when used in a domestic context, such as cuidado materno (maternal care).
- The word cuidado comes from the Latin cōgitātus, meaning 'thought' or 'pondered'. This implies that being careful in Portuguese is conceptually linked to the act of thinking first.
Examples in context
- Tenha cuidado com ele.Be careful with him.This sentence is useful for practicing how to be careful with someone using tenha cuidado.Tatoeba #7101116 by iart61, translation #3904089 by CH
- Tenha cuidado ao descer.Be careful going down.This sentence is useful for practicing how to be careful while performing an action using tenha cuidado.Tatoeba #3703911 by carlosalberto, translation #2264717 by _undertoad
- Tenha cuidado com o Tom.Be careful of Tom.This sentence is useful for practicing how to be careful of someone using tenha cuidado.Tatoeba #6470603 by heo598, translation #2047592 by CK
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo is walking on a slippery floor.
- CamilaTenha cuidado, o chão está muito liso.Be careful, the floor is very slippery.
- RodrigoObrigado pelo aviso, Camila.Thanks for the warning, Camila.
- CamilaNão corra para não cair.Don't run so you don't fall.
- RodrigoVou andar devagar.I will walk slowly.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuidado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
