cuídate las espaldas
/kwidate las espaldas/from spelling rules
To say "watch your back" in Spanish, use cuídate las espaldas.
This phrase is used to warn someone to be wary of people who might betray them or to be alert to hidden dangers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the reflexive imperative cuídate, which implies the action is being performed for the benefit of the person being addressed.
Did you know?
- While cuídate las espaldas warns of betrayal, the phrase te cubro las espaldas transforms the metaphor of the 'back' into a promise of loyalty and protection.
- Spanish uses the definite article las in cuídate las espaldas instead of a possessive adjective like 'your'. In Spanish, body parts are typically referred to as 'the' rather than 'my' or 'your' when the owner is already clear from the verb.
- The word espaldas is used in the plural here to refer to the general area behind a person. Using the singular espalda typically refers to the physical anatomy of the back rather than the metaphorical zone of danger.
Examples in context
- En este negocio, tienes que cuidarte las espaldas.In this business, you have to watch your back.
- En este negocio, cuídate las espaldas.In this business, watch your back.
- No confíes en él, cuídate las espaldas.Don't trust him, watch your back.
Example conversation
Elena warns Alejandro about a coworker.
- ElenaAlejandro, ten cuidado con el nuevo jefe.Alejandro, be careful with the new boss.
- Alejandro¿Por qué dices eso, Elena?Why do you say that, Elena?
- ElenaEs muy traicionero, así que cuídate las espaldas.He is very treacherous, so watch your back.
- AlejandroGracias por el aviso, estaré atento.Thanks for the warning, I'll be alert.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
