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precaución

pre-kow-SYOHN/pɾekauˈθjon/

“precaución” means “caution” in Spanish (care taken to avoid danger).

caution

Also: care, precaution
NounfA2
General
A person wearing thick protective oven mitts while carefully holding a hot baking tray.

📝 In Action

Por favor, maneja con mucha precaución porque está lloviendo.

A2

Please, drive with a lot of caution because it is raining.

Tomamos todas las precauciones necesarias antes del viaje.

B1

We took all the necessary precautions before the trip.

¡Precaución! Suelo mojado.

A1

Caution! Wet floor.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • imprudencia (recklessness)
  • descuido (carelessness)

Common Collocations

  • con precaución – with caution / carefully
  • tomar precauciones – to take precautions
  • medida de precaución – precautionary measure

Idioms & Expressions

  • más vale prevenir que lamentar – it is better to be safe than sorry

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: precaución

Question 1 of 2

Which phrase is the most natural way to say 'Drive carefully'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
precavido(cautious/safe) — Adjective
precaver(to prevent/guard against) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
atencióncorazónacción
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'praecautio,' which comes from 'prae' (before) and 'cautio' (care). It literally means taking care beforehand.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: precautionFrench: précautionItalian: precauzione

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'cuidado' and 'precaución'?

'Cuidado' is more common in everyday speech (like yelling 'Watch out!'). 'Precaución' is slightly more formal and is often used for general safety or advance planning.

Can I use 'precaución' to mean a warning?

Yes, especially on signs or in official instructions, it acts as a header to warn people of a hazard.