cuidado
/kwiˈdado/
cuidado is the Spanish phrase used as a warning to tell someone to be careful or to avoid danger.
cuidado is a versatile word. As a standalone exclamation, ¡Cuidado! functions as a sudden warning of imminent peril, similar to "Watch out!" or "Look out!" in English. While it can also mean "caution" in a general sense, it is used to warn someone of immediate danger.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cuidado literally means "care" or "attention".
Which one should you use?
While cuidado is a standard way to express caution, there are several informal alternatives. You might use Ojo to draw attention to a potential danger, or the interjection ¡Eh! to mean "hey" or "watch out" to notify someone of a risk. For an emphatic or playful tone, you can use ¡Cuidadito!
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the concept of "being careful" as a continuous state or action, Spanish uses the phrase tener cuidado (to have care) rather than a single adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwiˈdado/
Did you know?
- The word cuidado originates from the Latin cōgitātus, which is the root of the English word 'cogitate' meaning to think deeply.
- The diminutive form ¡Cuidadito! can be used as a playful warning or a subtle, ironic threat depending on the speaker's tone.
Examples in context
- ¡Ojo! Puedes resbalar en esa áreaWatch out! You can slip in that area
- ¡Ojo! Hay un perro suelto en la calleWatch out! There's a loose dog on the street
- ¡Cuidadito! No toques el cable, está electrificadoCareful! Do not touch the cable, it's electrified
- ¡Cuidadito! No vayas por ahí, el suelo está mojadoCareful! Don't go there, the floor is wet
- ¡Cuidado! No te tropieces con la sillaBe careful! Don't trip over the chair
- Ten cuidado con el escalón.Be careful with the step.
- ¡Cuidado con el escalón!Watch out for the step!
- Ten cuidado al cruzar la calle.Be careful when crossing the street.
- ¡Cuidado! El suelo está muy mojado.Watch out! The floor is very wet.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are walking in a busy park.
- Alejandro¡Cuidado, Sofía! Viene un ciclista.Watch out, Sofía! A cyclist is coming.
- SofíaGracias por avisarme, Alejandro.Thanks for warning me, Alejandro.
- AlejandroNo hay problema, solo ten cuidado.No problem, just be careful.
- SofíaLo tendré en cuenta.I will keep that in mind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cuidado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuidado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
