cuídate
/kwidate/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase "take care" is translated as cuídate.
Cuídate is used as a warm parting wish when saying good-bye. It is distinct from phrases used to warn someone of immediate physical danger or to tell them to be cautious, such as tener cuidado.
Meaning: good-bye (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word cuídate is a combination of the imperative verb cuida (take care) and the reflexive pronoun te (yourself), meaning "take care of yourself".
Which one should you use?
While cuídate is a friendly way to say goodbye, tener cuidado is the phrase you should use when you want someone to be careful or watch out for something specific.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing more than one person, the form changes. In Latin America, use cuídense, while in Spain, you would use cuidaos.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwidate/
Did you know?
- Depending on the tone, cuídate can be used ironically or as a subtle warning to someone who has acted recklessly, acting as a 'watch your back' rather than a friendly goodbye.
- While cuídate is common, some regions use the phrase que te cuide Dios, which adds a religious layer by wishing that God takes care of the person.
- If you say cuídate to a person in a professional or formal setting, it might sound strangely intimate or overly affectionate, as the phrase is typically reserved for friends and family.
Examples in context
- Cuídate. No te pongas enfermo.Take care of yourself. Don't get sick.This sentence shows how to use cuídate as a parting wish to avoid getting sick.Tatoeba #1778415 by Shishir, translation #462488 by lukaszpp
- Cuídate y que tengas un buen día.Take care and have a nice day.This example uses cuídate within a friendly parting wish.Tatoeba #1617834 by marcelostockle, translation #1617777 by Spamster
- Se está poniendo helado. ¡Cuídate, para que no te resfríes!It's getting chilly. Take care that you don't catch a cold.This demonstrates using cuídate to express concern about someone's health in chilly weather.Tatoeba #3700416 by SrTortuga, translation #3701788 by Sladey
- Cuídese durante su viaje.Take care during your trip.
- Tenga cuidado con los escalones.Be careful with the steps.
- Cuídese mucho en la carretera.Take good care of yourself on the road.
- Cuídate mucho.Take care.
- Ten cuidado al caminar.Be careful while walking.
- ¡Cuídate mucho, te quiero!Take good care of yourself, I love you!
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are saying goodbye after meeting for coffee.
- JavierBueno, me tengo que ir.Well, I have to go.
- SofíaEstá bien, nos vemos pronto.That's fine, see you soon.
- Javier¡Cuídate, Sofía!Take care, Sofía!
- SofíaGracias, tú también.Thanks, you too.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
