What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of the verb tener (to have) and the noun cuidado (care), literally meaning 'have care'.
Which one should you use?
While ten cuidado is a command to be cautious generally, the single word ¡Cuidado! is used as an immediate exclamation to warn someone of imminent danger, similar to 'Watch out!' or 'Look out!'
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear the colloquial alternative Ponte trucha to mean 'be alert'. In Argentina, it is common to use Andá con cuidado, which translates to 'go with care'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes depending on whom you are addressing. Use tenga cuidado for a single person in a formal setting. To tell a group of people to be careful, use tengan cuidado in Latin America or tened cuidado in Spain.
Did you know?
- The colloquial Mexican warning Ponte trucha literally means 'put yourself as a trout'. In Mexico, the trucha fish is seen as an alert and agile animal that is hard to catch.
- The word cuidado comes from the Latin cōgitātus, which is the root for the English word 'cogitate' meaning 'to think'.
- In some Spanish dialects, using ten cuidado with a specific tone can be a subtle way of giving a threat rather than a helpful warning.
Examples in context
- Ten cuidado ahí fuera.Be careful out there.This sentence is useful for warning someone to be careful in a specific location.Tatoeba #1116370 by Shishir, translation #1112476 by Scott
- Ten cuidado no te quemes.Be careful not to burn yourself.This sentence is useful for warning someone to avoid a specific injury.Tatoeba #2733138 by hantol01, translation #2733126 by CK
- Hey, ten cuidado con eso.Hey, be careful with that!This sentence is useful for telling someone to be careful with a specific object.Tatoeba #5943725 by MrMultilingual, translation #2047636 by CK
- Querido compañero de trabajo, ten cuidado al subir las escaleras.Dear coworker, be careful when climbing the stairs.
- Por favor, estén atentos al cruzar la calle.Please be careful when crossing the street.
- ¡Ten cuidado con la bicicleta!Be careful with the bicycle!
- Ayúdame a mover estos muebles, pero estate atento a los bordes afilados.Help me move these furniture pieces, but be careful with the sharp edges.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are walking through a crowded street.
- JavierTen cuidado con la gente.Be careful with the people.
- LucíaLo siento, no te vi.I'm sorry, I didn't see you.
- JavierNo pasa nada, pero ten cuidado.It's okay, but be careful.
- LucíaGracias, Javier, tendré cuidado.Thanks, Javier, I will be careful.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuidado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
