ten cuidado
/ten kwidado/from spelling rules
To say 'watch it' in Spanish, use ten cuidado.
This phrase is used to tell someone to pay attention to what they are doing. In a colloquial setting, you might also hear someone say ¡Ojo!, which literally means 'eye'.
Meaning: to pay attention to what one is doing (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ten cuidado is composed of the imperative form of tener (to have) and cuidado (care), meaning 'have care'.
Which one should you use?
¡Ojo! serves as a more colloquial alternative.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Argentina, people may use ¡Cuidado! to mean 'watch it' informally.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the informal form ten cuidado for friends and children, but switch to the polite form tenga cuidado when addressing someone formally.
Did you know?
- If you are in the Philippines, the concept of being careful or leaving things to fate is expressed through the Tagalog-inspired phrase bahala, which was adapted into local Spanish usage.
- Spanish uses the verb tener (to have) for ten cuidado, whereas English uses the verb 'watch' or 'be'. This reflects a common pattern where Spanish treats emotions and states of mind as possessions.
- Using ten cuidado can be an ironic way to tell someone they are acting too boldly or pushing their luck.
Examples in context
- Ten cuidado al cruzar la calle.Be careful when crossing the street.
- Vigila el monitor de seguridad en todo momento.Watch the security monitor at all times.
- ¡Ojo! No te caigas al caminar tan rápido.Watch out! Don't fall while walking so fast.
- Cuidado con el perro. No le gusta la gente desconocida.Watch out for the dog. He doesn't like strangers.
- ¡Ten cuidado, el suelo está mojado!Watch it, the floor is wet!
Example conversation
Alejandro is walking while looking at his phone near a puddle.
- Elena¡Ten cuidado, Alejandro!Watch it, Alejandro!
- Alejandro¡Ah! Casi me caigo.Ah! I almost fell.
- ElenaNo mires el móvil al caminar.Don't look at your phone while walking.
- AlejandroTienes razón, gracias.You're right, thanks.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuidado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
