¡Cuidado!
In Spanish, the phrase 'look out' is expressed as ¡Cuidado!
The phrase is used to express being vigilant and aware. Depending on the context and the level of formality required, you might use different variations to tell someone to be careful or to watch out.
Meaning: to be vigilant and aware (verb)
Which one should you use?
¡Cuidado! is a sudden exclamation used to warn of immediate danger. In contrast, ¡Ten cuidado! is used as a command to exercise caution in a more general or ongoing sense. For more emphasis in a colloquial setting, you can also use the extended version ¡Ojo ahí!
How does it change in a sentence?
While ¡Cuidado! serves as a sudden warning, the informal command ¡Ten cuidado! literally means 'Have care!' and is used for general caution.
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the phrase ¡Aguas! is commonly used to warn someone of danger. This stems from the colonial era when people threw buckets of waste water from balconies into the street.
- While ¡Cuidado! warns of danger, the word itself comes from the verb cuidar, which means 'to care for' or 'to nurture' someone.
- In some Latin American countries, ¡Ojo! is used not just for danger, but as a conversational marker to say 'keep in mind' or 'take note of this'.
Examples in context
- Preste atención al tráfico antes de cruzar la calle.Look out for traffic before crossing the street.
- Esté atenta a los posibles peligros en la construcción.Look out for potential dangers in the construction site.
- Tenga cuidado al caminar por el suelo resbaladizo.Look out when walking on the slippery floor.
- ¡Cuidado con el perro!Look out for the dog!
- ¡Ojo! Hay un escalón en el suelo.Look out! There's a step on the floor.
- Estate pendiente de los ladrones.Look out for thieves.
- ¡Cuidado! El suelo está muy mojado.Look out! The floor is very wet.
- ¡Cuidado! Viene un coche.Look out! A car is coming.
