What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tener cuidado literally translates to "to have care".
Which one should you use?
While tener cuidado is the standard way to say to be cautious or careful, other forms exist depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance desired. For example, Anda con ojo is an informal way to express caution, literally meaning "walk with an eye". If you want to advise someone specifically against taking unnecessary risks, you can use the informal No te arriesgues.
How does it change in a sentence?
When giving a direct command to a single person, the form changes based on the relationship. Use the informal imperative ten cuidado for someone you know well, or the polite/formal imperative tenga cuidado for someone you do not know well. If you are addressing a group of people, use the plural imperative tengan cuidado.
How do you pronounce it?
/teˌneɾ kwiˈdado/
Did you know?
- The word cuidado is actually the past participle of the verb 'cuidar', which comes from the Latin 'cogitatus', meaning 'thought' or 'pondered'.
- The Spanish word cuidar can be used both for being cautious and for babysitting or nursing a patient, as both involve the same concept of attentive care.
- The verb tener is often used in Spanish to express states that English describes as 'being', such as having hunger or fear, rather than 'being' hungry or afraid.
Examples in context
- Por favor, tengan precaución al caminar en el área designada.Please, be cautious when walking in the designated area.
- Es fundamental que tome precauciones al manejar en condiciones climáticas adversas.It is essential that you take precautions when driving in adverse weather conditions.
- Le recomiendo que sea prudente al invertir su dinero.I recommend that you be cautious when investing your money.
- Oye, ten cuidado al cruzar la calle.Hey, be cautious when crossing the street.
- Anda con ojo en esa zona, puede ser peligrosa.Be cautious in that area, it can be dangerous.
- No te arriesgues escalando sin equipamiento adecuado.Don't take risks by climbing without proper equipment.
- Ten cuidado con el perro.Be careful with the dog.
- Tienes que tener cuidado al conducir.You have to be cautious while driving.
- Debes tener cuidado con ese perro.You must be cautious with that dog.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are walking near a construction site.
- DanielSofía, ten cuidado con los cables en el suelo.Sofía, be cautious with the cables on the ground.
- SofíaGracias, Daniel, no los había visto.Thanks, Daniel, I hadn't seen them.
- DanielEs mejor tener cuidado en esta zona.It is better to be cautious in this area.
- SofíaTienes razón, caminaré despacio.You are right, I will walk slowly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tener cuidado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuidado, tener, CC BY-SA 4.0.
