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How to Say "look after" in Spanish

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cuida

/kwee-dah//ˈkwi.ða/

Verb (Command Form)A2Informal
Use this informal 'tú' command form to tell someone directly to take care of something or someone, often implying protection.
A hand belonging to an unseen person gently tucking a small, sleeping brown puppy into a soft blue blanket.

Examples

¡Cuida tu hermano mientras yo voy a la tienda!

Look after your brother while I go to the store!

¡Cuida tu dinero, no lo pierdas!

Take care of your money, don't lose it!

Cuida ese vaso, es muy frágil.

Look after that glass; it's very fragile.

Cuida bien a tu hermanito mientras estoy fuera.

Take good care of your little brother while I'm out.

The 'Tú' Command Form

The informal command for 'you' (tú) usually looks exactly the same as the 'he/she/it' form in the present tense, which is why 'cuida' serves two roles.

Using the wrong pronoun

Mistake: “Saying 'Tú cuida' (redundant).”

Correction: Just say '¡Cuida!' The command form already implies 'tú,' so you don't need to include the pronoun unless you want strong emphasis.

ocúpate

VerbB1Neutral
This is used when you are taking charge of a responsibility, task, or person, implying you will handle or manage it.

Examples

Ocúpate de reservar los boletos de avión.

Look after booking the plane tickets.

cuide

/KWEE-deh//ˈkwiðe/

VerbB1Neutral
This is the 'yo' present subjunctive form, used in dependent clauses to express hope, doubt, or a desired outcome related to taking care of something.
A close-up view of two large, gentle hands carefully cradling a tiny, healthy green plant sprout, symbolizing nurturing and care.

Examples

Espero que yo cuide bien las plantas durante las vacaciones.

I hope that I look after the plants well during the vacation.

Espero que yo cuide bien mi jardín este verano.

I hope that I take good care of my garden this summer. (Uses 'yo' present subjunctive)

Le pedí a María que cuide a mi gato mientras viajo.

I asked Maria to look after my cat while I travel. (Uses 'ella' present subjunctive)

Cuide su dinero, señora, es peligroso aquí.

Take care of your money, ma'am, it's dangerous here. (Uses 'Usted' affirmative command)

Using 'Cuide' for Wishes and Doubt

When you want to express a desire, a request, or uncertainty about taking care of something, you must use the special verb form 'cuide'. This is called the 'subjunctive' mood. Example: 'Dudo que él cuide bien el coche.' (I doubt that he takes good care of the car.)

Formal Commands (Usted)

'Cuide' is the standard way to give a polite, formal command (using Usted) to a single person. This is the same form used in the subjunctive. Example: 'Cuide la puerta.' (Guard the door, please.)

Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive

Mistake: “Using the normal present tense form: 'Espero que usted cuida mi perro.'”

Correction: You must use the subjunctive form 'cuide' after verbs of emotion or desire: 'Espero que usted cuide mi perro.' (I hope you take care of my dog.)

Command vs. Responsibility

Learners often confuse 'cuida' and 'ocúpate'. Remember that 'cuida' is usually a direct, informal command to protect or keep safe, while 'ocúpate' implies taking on a task or responsibility to manage something.

Related Translations

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