cuida tu boca
/kwida tu boka/from spelling rules
To say "watch your mouth" in Spanish, use cuida tu boca.
This phrase is a warning used to tell someone to stop using rude or offensive language. You might also use mide tus palabras, which means "measure your words". This alternative is slightly less aggressive and focuses on being careful with word choice.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cuida tu boca is a literal translation of "take care of your mouth", using the verb cuidar (to take care of/to watch).
Which one should you use?
For a different nuance, mide tus palabras ("measure your words") is less aggressive. If you want to say "watch what you say" in an informal way, you can use Vigila lo que dices. For formal variations, you can use Cuide sus palabras ("watch your words") or Tenga cuidado con lo que dice ("be careful with what you say").
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase Cuidado con lo que dices is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this warning in a formal setting or with someone you address as usted, you should use the form cuide su boca.
Did you know?
- The word boca actually comes from the Latin bucca, which originally referred to the 'cheek' rather than the 'mouth'.
- In some regions, telling someone to 'wash' their mouth (lávate la boca) is a more severe variation of cuida tu boca, implying that the words spoken were 'dirty'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a warning about one's mouth is often accompanied by a finger pointed upward or a sharp gesture toward the lips to emphasize the boundary.
Examples in context
- Hijo/a, ten cuidado con lo que dices. Recuerda ser respetuoso/aChild, be careful with what you say. Remember to be respectful
- Por favor, cuide sus palabras. Estamos en un entorno profesionalPlease watch your words. We are in a professional environment
Example conversation
Daniel says something rude during an argument with Elena.
- DanielNo me importa lo que pienses.I don't care what you think.
- Elena¡Cuida tu boca, Daniel!Watch your mouth, Daniel!
- DanielSolo estoy diciendo la verdad.I'm just telling the truth.
- ElenaNo me hables con esa actitud.Don't speak to me with that attitude.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boca, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
