autocuidado
/autokwidado/from spelling rules
Self care in Spanish is autocuidado.
Autocuidado refers to the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own physical and mental health.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of auto- (self) and cuidado (care).
Which one should you use?
While autocuidado is the standard term for the concept, you can use the verb autocuidarse to express the specific action of practicing self-care. In more casual settings, the term mimarse is used to mean pampering oneself.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to self-care as a noun and a concept, it is typically used with the masculine definite article el, as in el autocuidado.
How do you pronounce it?
/autokwidado/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, focusing too much on autocuidado can be jokingly described as egoísmo, or selfishness, due to a strong cultural emphasis on family collectivism.
- The noun mimo refers to a caress or a cuddle, meaning that when you use the verb mimarse for self-care, you are etymologically describing the act of 'caressing yourself'.
- The root cuidado shares a common ancestor with the English word 'care', but in Spanish it is also used to warn someone of danger with the exclamation ¡Cuidado!
Examples in context
- Es importante practicar el cuidado personal para mantener el equilibrio emocionalIt is important to practice self-care to maintain emotional balance
- La psicología del cuidado propio es fundamental para mantener una buena salud mentalThe psychology of self-care is essential for maintaining good mental health
- El cuidado de uno mismo es necesario para evitar el agotamientoSelf-care is necessary to avoid burnout
- Es importante cuidarse y dedicar tiempo a uno mismoIt is important to take care of yourself and dedicate time to yourself
- De vez en cuando, es necesario mimarse y darse un caprichoFrom time to time, it is necessary to pamper yourself and treat yourself
- El autocuidado es esencial para mantener un buen equilibrio emocionalSelf-care is essential for maintaining a good emotional balance
- ¡Cuídate y disfruta de tu vida al máximo!Take care and enjoy your life to the fullest!
- El autocuidado es esencial para la salud mental.Self-care is essential for mental health.
- El autocuidado es esencial para la salud.Self-care is essential for health.
- Necesito dedicar tiempo al autocuidado.I need to dedicate time to self-care.
- Ella practica el autocuidado todos los días.She practices self-care every day.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking at a coffee shop about their wellness routines.
- Daniel¿Cómo estás, Elena?How are you, Elena?
- ElenaBien, estoy enfocada en mi autocuidado.Good, I am focusing on my self-care.
- DanielEso es muy importante para ti.That is very important for you.
- ElenaSí, Daniel, me siento mucho mejor.Yes, Daniel, I feel much better.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry autocuidado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
