cuida
/kwee-dah/
takes care of
When someone "cuida" a plant, it means he, she, or it takes care of it.
cuida(Verb (Conjugated Form))
takes care of
?He/She/It cares for
,looks after
?He/She/It watches over
minds
?paying attention to
,protects
?safeguards
📝 In Action
Mi hermana cuida a mi perro mientras estoy de viaje.
A1My sister takes care of my dog while I am traveling.
Usted cuida mucho su jardín, se ve hermoso.
A2You (formal) take great care of your garden; it looks beautiful.
El gobierno no cuida los recursos naturales.
B1The government does not protect natural resources.
💡 Grammar Points
Identifying the Subject
When you see 'cuida,' the person performing the action must be singular: 'he,' 'she,' or 'usted' (formal 'you'). The subject is often left out if it's clear from context.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'cuidar' and 'mirar'
Mistake: "Using 'cuida' when you mean 'watches' or 'sees' (Mira la televisión)."
Correction: Use 'cuida' only for the sense of care or responsibility (Cuida a los niños).
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'a' with people
When taking care of a person, always use the 'personal a' immediately after 'cuida': 'Ella cuida a su hijo.'
As an informal command, "cuida" instructs someone to take care of something.
cuida(Verb (Command Form))
take care of
?Informal command (tú)
,look after
?Informal command (tú)
be careful
?Often used as a warning, especially in Mexico
,watch out
?As a quick warning
📝 In Action
¡Cuida tu dinero, no lo pierdas!
A2Take care of your money, don't lose it!
Cuida ese vaso, es muy frágil.
A2Look after that glass; it's very fragile.
Cuida bien a tu hermanito mientras estoy fuera.
B1Take good care of your little brother while I'm out.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Tú' Command Form
The informal command for 'you' (tú) usually looks exactly the same as the 'he/she/it' form in the present tense, which is why 'cuida' serves two roles.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong pronoun
Mistake: "Saying 'Tú cuida' (redundant)."
Correction: Just say '¡Cuida!' The command form already implies 'tú,' so you don't need to include the pronoun unless you want strong emphasis.
⭐ Usage Tips
Affirmative vs. Negative Commands
Remember that the negative command (Don't take care) uses a different, special verb form: 'No cuides.'
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cuida
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'cuida' as an informal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'cuida' used both as a statement and a command?
In Spanish, the informal command form for 'tú' (Take care!) is identical to the third-person singular present indicative form (He/She takes care). You can tell the difference based on context and usually the exclamation marks or tone of voice.
Is 'cuidar' a stem-changing verb?
'Cuidar' is a completely regular verb. It follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar, making it easy to conjugate.