Inklingo

How to Say "be careful!" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cuidado

/kwee-DAH-doh//kwiˈða.ðo/

InterjectionA1general
Use '¡Cuidado!' for a general, basic caution in everyday situations, suitable for even the most novice Spanish learners.
A close-up image of a person's hand sharply extended forward in a universal stop gesture, warning of immediate danger or caution.

Examples

¡Cuidado! El suelo está mojado.

Watch out! The floor is wet.

¡Cuidado con el perro!

Be careful of the dog!

¡Cuidado, que te caes!

Be careful, you're going to fall!

Warning About Something Specific

To warn someone about a particular thing, use the structure '¡Cuidado con + [the thing]!'. For example, '¡Cuidado con el coche!' (Watch out for the car!).

ojo

OH-hoh/ˈoxo/

InterjectionA2general
Use '¡Ojo!' as a more alert and specific warning, often implying that someone should pay close attention to a particular detail or imminent danger.
A simple cartoon squirrel is running quickly along a path towards a large, unexpected puddle of water. A small, alarmed bird is hovering nearby, urgently pointing its wing towards the puddle to warn the squirrel.

Examples

¡Ojo! Hay un coche detrás de ti.

Watch out! There's a car behind you.

Ojo, mañana tenemos que entregar el proyecto sin falta.

Heads up, tomorrow we have to turn in the project without fail.

Always Singular

When used as a warning, 'ojo' is always used in the singular, often followed by an exclamation mark.

aguas

AH-gwas/ˈaɣwas/

InterjectionB1informal
Use '¡Aguas!' as a more informal, colloquial warning, especially common in Mexico, to signal general danger or something unexpected.
A colorful illustration showing one figure urgently pointing upwards while another figure ducks to avoid a large object falling from the sky.

Examples

¡Aguas! El piso está resbaloso.

Look out! The floor is slippery.

Cuando grité '¡Aguas!', todos se movieron rápidamente.

When I shouted 'Heads up!', everyone moved quickly.

A Fixed Expression

This is a set phrase that always stays the same, regardless of who you are talking to. Think of it as a single, urgent command.

Choosing between 'cuidado' and 'aguas'

Learners often use 'cuidado' for all situations, but 'aguas' is more informal and regional, particularly in Mexico. While 'cuidado' is universally understood, using 'aguas' in a formal setting or outside of its common regions might sound out of place.

Related Translations

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