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How to Say "i care" in Spanish

English → Spanish

importa

im-POR-teh/imˈpoɾte/

verbB1
Use 'importa' (from importar) when you want to express that something 'matters' to you or has significance, often in a hypothetical or less personal way.
A single, small, brightly glowing golden star placed carefully on a dark, empty pedestal, suggesting high importance.

Examples

Espero que no importe si llego cinco minutos tarde.

I hope it doesn't matter if I arrive five minutes late.

No creo que importe lo que diga la prensa.

I don't think what the press says is important.

¡Que no te importe lo que piensen los demás!

Don't let what others think matter to you!

The 'Gustar' Structure

The verb 'importar' usually works like 'gustar'. We often say 'Me importa' (It matters to me) instead of 'Yo importo' (I matter) to express that something is important to us.

Triggering the Subjunctive

When expressing doubt, desire, or opinion about whether something is important, you must use the special verb form 'importe'. For example, 'Dudo que importe' (I doubt it matters).

Using the wrong form with 'I'

Mistake: “Saying 'Yo importo' when you mean 'It matters to me'.”

Correction: Use 'A mí me importa' (It matters to me) or 'Me importa' (It matters to me). 'Yo importo' is only used if you mean 'I import goods'.

preocupo

preh-oh-COO-poh/pɾe.oˈku.po/

verbA1
Use 'me preocupo' (from preocuparse) when you are expressing personal concern or worry about a specific situation, person, or outcome.
A simple cartoon character sitting alone, holding their chin with a deeply furrowed brow, depicting intense worry or anxiety.

Examples

Me preocupo mucho por mi examen de mañana.

I worry a lot about my exam tomorrow.

Si me preocupo demasiado, no duermo bien.

If I worry too much, I don't sleep well.

No me preocupo por cosas que no puedo controlar.

I don't concern myself with things I can't control.

The Reflexive 'Me'

Since this verb is preocuparse, meaning 'to worry oneself,' you must always use the word 'me' before 'preocupo' to show that you are the one doing the worrying.

Using 'Por' for the Cause

When saying what you are worried about, Spanish usually uses the preposition por (meaning 'for' or 'about'), not acerca de.

Forgetting the 'Me'

Mistake: “Yo preocupo mi trabajo.”

Correction: Yo *me* preocupo *por* mi trabajo. ('Yo preocupo' means 'I worry' someone else, which is usually not what you intend.)

Mixing up the Verb Forms

Mistake: “Me preocupo a mi familia.”

Correction: Me preocupo *por* mi familia. (You worry *about* your family, not *to* them.)

Importar vs. Preocuparse

Learners often confuse 'importar' and 'preocuparse' by using 'importar' when they mean to express personal worry. Remember, 'importar' is about significance or mattering, while 'preocuparse' is about feeling anxious or concerned.

Related Translations

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