cuidar
“cuidar” means “to take care of” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to take care of, to look after
Also: to guard, to mind
📝 In Action
¿Puedes cuidar a mi perro este fin de semana?
A1Can you look after my dog this weekend?
Ella cuida mucho los detalles de su trabajo.
B1She pays close attention to the details of her work. (Literally: She cares for the details)
Mi hermano cuida el jardín para que esté hermoso.
A2My brother takes care of the garden so that it is beautiful.
to take care of oneself, to be careful
Also: to watch out
📝 In Action
Me cuido mucho, por eso hago ejercicio.
A2I take good care of myself; that's why I exercise.
¡Cuídate! Nos vemos mañana.
A2Take care! See you tomorrow.
Hay que cuidarse de los virus en invierno.
B1One must be careful about viruses in the winter.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cuidar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence means 'You should focus on your own health'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Late Latin word *cogitare*, which meant 'to think, consider.' Over time, the meaning shifted to 'to think about the well-being of' someone or something, leading to the modern sense of 'to care for' or 'to look after.'
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish texts.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'cuidar' different from 'mantener' (to maintain)?
While both can involve upkeep, 'cuidar' emphasizes attention, affection, and protection (often used for living things or health). 'Mantener' emphasizes financial or physical stability (e.g., maintaining a building, a diet, or a financial status).
What is the most common way to say 'Take care' as a goodbye?
The most common and friendly way is '¡Cuídate!' (using the informal 'tú' form) or '¡Cuídese!' (using the formal 'usted' form).