cuidados
/kwee-DAH-dohss/
care
Cuidados can refer to the medical care and attention given to someone in need.
cuidados(noun)
care
?attention or medical treatment
nursing
?medical assistance
,pampering
?personal grooming or attention
📝 In Action
El paciente necesita cuidados constantes.
A2The patient needs constant care.
Mis plantas requieren muchos cuidados en verano.
A2My plants require a lot of care in summer.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural for Medical Care
When talking about professional or medical treatment, we almost always use the plural 'cuidados' instead of the singular 'cuidado'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Care vs. Be Careful
Mistake: "Using 'cuidados' to tell someone to watch out."
Correction: Say '¡Cuidado!' (singular) for 'Watch out!' or 'Be careful!'
⭐ Usage Tips
Medical Context
If you are at a hospital, look for the sign 'UCI' (Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos) for the ICU.
Cuidados also describes something that is well-kept and meticulously maintained.
cuidados(adjective)
well-kept
?describing an object or place
meticulous
?done with great detail
,polished
?refined appearance
📝 In Action
Los jardines del palacio están muy cuidados.
B1The palace gardens are very well-kept.
Es un libro con detalles muy cuidados.
B1It is a book with very meticulous details.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'cuidados' is masculine and plural here, the things you are describing must also be masculine and plural (like 'libros' or 'jardines').
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Quality
Use 'muy cuidados' to compliment a host on their home or a friend on their appearance.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cuidados
Question 1 of 2
If a hospital unit is called 'Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos', what does it provide?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cuidados' always masculine?
Yes, as a noun it is masculine ('los cuidados'). If used as a description (adjective), it must match the gender of the object; so it would be 'cuidados' for masculine items and 'cuidadas' for feminine items.
What is the difference between 'cuidado' and 'cuidados'?
'Cuidado' is usually used for 'caution' (¡Cuidado! = Watch out!) or general care, while 'cuidados' usually refers to specific tasks or medical attention.