Inklingo

How to Say "care" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “care” is “cuidado” — use 'cuidado' when referring to the act of being careful, diligent, or taking precautions, often related to physical safety or avoiding damage..

cuidado🔊A2

Use 'cuidado' when referring to the act of being careful, diligent, or taking precautions, often related to physical safety or avoiding damage.

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precauciónA2

Choose 'precaución' specifically when emphasizing the need for mindfulness and deliberation in actions to prevent harm or negative outcomes.

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atenciónB1

Use 'atención' when 'care' refers to the quality of service, thoughtfulness towards others, or paying close heed to something.

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cariñoA2

Opt for 'cariño' when 'care' signifies affection, tenderness, or a deep emotional bond, often expressed when doing things for loved ones.

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ojos🔊B1

Use 'ojos' in the idiomatic expression 'tener mis ojos puestos en' to mean keeping a close watch or being vigilant over someone or something.

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English → Spanish

cuidado

/kwee-DAH-doh//kwiˈða.ðo/

nounA2general
Use 'cuidado' when referring to the act of being careful, diligent, or taking precautions, often related to physical safety or avoiding damage.
A close-up image of a person's hands gently cupping and protecting a fragile, vibrant green seedling emerging from the soil, symbolizing care and diligence.

Examples

Conduce con cuidado, está lloviendo.

Drive with care, it's raining.

Necesitas poner más cuidado en tu trabajo.

You need to put more care into your work.

El paciente requiere cuidados especiales.

The patient requires special care.

Using 'Tener Cuidado'

To say 'to be careful' in Spanish, you almost always use the phrase 'tener cuidado'. Think of it like 'to have care'. For example, 'Ten cuidado' means 'Be careful'.

Not 'Ser Cuidado'

Mistake: “Soy cuidado cuando cruzo la calle.”

Correction: Tengo cuidado cuando cruzo la calle. The phrase always uses the verb 'tener' (to have), not 'ser' or 'estar' (to be).

precaución

nounA2general
Choose 'precaución' specifically when emphasizing the need for mindfulness and deliberation in actions to prevent harm or negative outcomes.

Examples

Por favor, maneja con mucha precaución porque está lloviendo.

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

atención

nounB1general
Use 'atención' when 'care' refers to the quality of service, thoughtfulness towards others, or paying close heed to something.

Examples

La atención al cliente en esta tienda es fantástica.

The customer service in this store is fantastic.

cariño

nounA2general
Opt for 'cariño' when 'care' signifies affection, tenderness, or a deep emotional bond, often expressed when doing things for loved ones.

Examples

Le tengo mucho cariño a mi abuela.

I have a lot of affection for my grandmother.

ojos

/OH-hohs//ˈo.xos/

nounB1idiomatic
Use 'ojos' in the idiomatic expression 'tener mis ojos puestos en' to mean keeping a close watch or being vigilant over someone or something.
A pair of large, attentive brown eyes intently watching a small, shiny gold coin sitting on a table, symbolizing focus.

Examples

Tengo mis ojos puestos en ti, no intentes nada.

I've got my eyes on you, don't try anything.

A los ojos de la ley, todos somos iguales.

In the eyes of the law, we are all equal.

El profesor tiene mil ojos, lo ve todo.

The teacher has a thousand eyes, he sees everything.

Cuidado vs. Precaución

Learners often confuse 'cuidado' and 'precaución' because both relate to being careful. 'Cuidado' is more general for carefulness and diligence, while 'precaución' specifically highlights the act of taking precautions or being extra mindful to avoid danger.

Related Translations

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