cuídate
/kwidate/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'stay well' is translated into Spanish as cuídate.
While cuídate literally means 'take care of yourself', it is commonly used as a warm way to say goodbye, similar to 'stay well' or 'take care' in English.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, Que te vaya bonito is used to mean 'May things go well for you'. In Spain, Que te vaya bien is frequently heard to mean 'May things go well for you'. In several Latin American countries, Cuídate un montón is used to mean 'Take care a lot'.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwidate/
Did you know?
- The verb cuidar also means 'to look after' or 'to guard'. This means cuídate is conceptually closer to 'guard yourself' than the English 'stay well'.
- While cuídate is used for friends, using it with a stranger or a boss can be seen as overly familiar or even condescending. In formal settings, speakers switch to cuídese to maintain social distance.
- Spanish has the concept of sobrecuidado, which describes the act of over-protecting someone. While cuídate is a kind wish, sobrecuidar is often seen as stifling.
Examples in context
- Adiós, cuídate mucho.Goodbye, take good care of yourself.
- Nos vemos pronto, cuídate.See you soon, stay well.
- Hasta luego, cuídate mucho en el viaje.See you later, take good care of yourself on the trip.
Example conversation
Two friends are saying goodbye after meeting at a cafe.
- ElenaFue un placer verte, Mateo.It was a pleasure seeing you, Mateo.
- MateoIgualmente, Elena. Cuídate.Likewise, Elena. Stay well.
- ElenaGracias, tú también.Thanks, you too.
- MateoHasta la próxima.Until next time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cuídate, 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.
