How to Say "caution" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “caution” is “cuidado” — use 'cuidado' when referring to the general state of being careful or the act of taking care to avoid danger, often used as an exclamation or direct instruction..
cuidado
/kwee-DAH-doh//kwiˈða.ðo/
Examples
¡Cuidado con el escalón!
Watch out for the step!
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
Examples
Toma tus precauciones antes de viajar en temporada alta.
Take your precautions before traveling in high season.
advertencia
ahd-vehr-TEHN-syah/að.βeɾˈten.sja/
Examples
La señal de tráfico es una advertencia sobre la curva peligrosa.
The traffic sign is a warning about the dangerous curve.
El cartel de la piscina tenía una advertencia clara sobre la profundidad.
The pool sign had a clear warning about the depth.
Ignoró la advertencia del médico y siguió comiendo dulces.
He ignored the doctor's warning and kept eating sweets.
Recibió una advertencia por llegar tarde al trabajo tres veces.
She received a warning for being late to work three times.
Gender Rule
Even though 'advertencia' starts with 'a,' it is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' (la advertencia).
Confusing Noun and Verb
Mistake: “Using 'advertencia' when you mean the action of warning ('advertir').”
Correction: Remember, 'advertencia' is the thing (the warning itself). The verb is 'advertir' (to warn).
avisar
ah-vee-SAHR/a.βiˈsaɾ/
Examples
El pronóstico del tiempo avisa de fuertes lluvias.
The weather forecast warns of heavy rains.
El guardia civil nos avisó del tráfico pesado en la carretera.
The police officer warned us about the heavy traffic on the road.
Te avisé que ese perro muerde, ¿por qué lo tocaste?
I warned you that dog bites, why did you touch it?
Los científicos avisaron al gobierno sobre el riesgo de inundación.
The scientists cautioned the government about the risk of flooding.
Warning vs. Telling
When 'avisar' means 'to warn,' it often focuses on preventing a bad outcome. The structure remains the same as 'to inform': 'avisar a alguien de algo' (warn someone of something).
reserva
reh-SEHR-vah/reˈseɾ.βa/
Examples
Respondió a las preguntas con mucha reserva.
He answered the questions with great reservation.
El testigo habló con mucha reserva sobre los detalles del caso.
The witness spoke with great reserve about the details of the case.
Su reserva lo hace parecer distante, pero es una persona amable.
His reserve makes him seem distant, but he is a kind person.
Adverbial Phrase
To describe how someone acts, use the phrase 'con reserva' (with reserve), which functions like an adverb.
General Carefulness vs. Specific Warnings
Related Translations
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