cuidador
/kwidaˈdoɾ/
The English phrase "caregiver" is translated into Spanish as cuidador.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb cuidar, meaning "to take care of" and the suffix -dor, which denotes "one who performs an action".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, auxiliar de geriatría is occasionally used to mean caregiver. In Spain, asistente en atención domiciliaria may be prevalent in formal settings to describe a caregiver.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes its ending to cuidadora when referring to a female caregiver. For plural forms, use cuidadores for a group of male caregivers or a mixed-gender group. Use cuidadoras specifically when referring to a group consisting only of female caregivers.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwidaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- The word cuidador shares a root with cuidado, which can mean 'care' but is also used as a warning meaning 'beware' or 'watch out'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the role of the cuidadora is traditionally tied to the concept of 'familismo', where the family is culturally obligated to provide care rather than hiring a professional.
- While cuidador is the standard term, if you are looking for a caregiver in a professional hospital setting in Mexico, you might see the term enfermero or enfermera used even if they are not technically registered nurses.
Examples in context
- Me han dicho que estás buscando un cuidador.I've been told you're looking for a caregiver.This sentence is useful for communicating that someone is searching for a cuidador.Tatoeba #10106195 by manufrutos, translation #10100182 by CK
- Al retroceder de edad, la persona se olvida de los pensamientos estresantes que vemos como "adultos", y se hace más dependiente de un cuidador para sentirse más seguro.When age regressing, people let go of stressful "grown-up" thoughts, and make themselves more dependent on a caregiver to make them feel safe.This sentence illustrates how a person might become more dependent on a cuidador to feel safe.Tatoeba #11095548 by DJ_Saidez, translation #9345453 by DJ_Saidez
- La clínica cuenta con varios cuidadores profesionales.The clinic has many skilled caregivers.
- Mi hermano es la persona encargada de cuidar de nuestra abuela.My brother is the person in charge of taking care of our grandmother.
- El cuidador llegó temprano para ayudar.The caregiver arrived early to help.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are discussing their father's health.
- MaríaPapá necesita ayuda en casa.Dad needs help at home.
- Alejandro¿Crees que deberíamos contratar a un cuidador?Do you think we should hire a caregiver?
- MaríaSí, sería lo mejor para él.Yes, it would be best for him.
- AlejandroBuscaré a un cuidador hoy mismo.I will look for a caregiver today.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cuidador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
