cuídala
/kwidala/from spelling rules
The phrase "take care of her" in Spanish is translated as cuídala.
This phrase is used to look after someone and ensure they are safe and healthy.
What does it mean word for word?
The form cuídala is a combination of the imperative verb cuida (take care of) and the direct object pronoun la (her).
Which one should you use?
Cuida de ella is another informal option. Cuídala bien is used specifically when you want to say "take good care of her". For a more formal tone, one might use Cuídela or the phrase Cuide de ella, the latter of which places more emphasis on the sense of duty involved in looking after someone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase Velar por ella is a common way to express the idea of taking care of her.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form cuídala uses the imperative mood, which is used for giving commands or requests.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwidala/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American regions, people use the phrase echarle un ojo (to throw an eye on her) as a colloquial way to say 'keep an eye on her' or 'take care of her' in a casual, protective sense.
- The expression velar por ella comes from the verb velar, which originally meant 'to keep watch' during a wake or overnight vigil for the deceased.
- In Spanish, the word cuida comes from the Latin cura, meaning 'care' or 'solicitude', which is the same root as the English word 'curator'.
Examples in context
- Cuídela mientras estoy fuera de la ciudad.Take care of her while I'm out of town.
- Por favor, cuide de ella durante mi ausencia.Please take care of her during my absence.
- Que tengas un buen viaje, cuídala.Have a good trip, take care of her.
- Siempre estaré allí para cuidar de ella.I will always be there to take care of her.
- Debes cuidarla mientras no esté.You should take care of her while I'm not around
- Ella es pequeña, así que cuídala mucho.She is small, so take care of her a lot.
- Por favor, cuídala mientras yo no esté.Please, take care of her while I am not here.
Example conversation
Javier is leaving his daughter with María.
- JavierMe voy ahora, cuídala por favor.I am leaving now, take care of her please.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, yo la cuido.Don't worry, I will look after her.
- JavierGracias, María. Ella necesita descansar.Thanks, María. She needs to rest.
- MaríaEstá bien, Javier. Todo saldrá bien.It's okay, Javier. Everything will be fine.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
