Inklingo

How to Say "watching over" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “watching over” is “cuidando” — use 'cuidando' when you are actively supervising or taking care of someone or something, often with a sense of responsibility.

English → Spanish

cuidando

kwee-DAHN-dohkwiˈðan̪d̪o

Gerund (Verb Form)A1supervising
Use 'cuidando' when you are actively supervising or taking care of someone or something, often with a sense of responsibility.
A small child kneeling next to a bright green seedling in a red pot, gently pouring water from a miniature blue watering can onto the soil, illustrating the action of nurturing.

Examples

Mi madre está cuidando a mi hermano pequeño mientras estoy en el trabajo.

My mother is watching over my younger brother while I am at work.

Mi hermana está cuidando a mis perros este fin de semana.

My sister is taking care of my dogs this weekend.

Están cuidando mucho la salud de su abuelo.

They are paying a lot of attention to their grandfather's health (They are taking good care of his health).

El jardinero lleva meses cuidando esas rosas tan delicadas.

The gardener has been looking after those delicate roses for months.

The Continuous Action Form

Cuidando is the Spanish equivalent of the '-ing' form in English. It describes an action that is currently in progress, just like 'taking care' or 'looking after'.

Using 'Estar'

To show that the action is happening right now, you must use a form of the verb 'estar' (to be) followed by 'cuidando' (e.g., 'estoy cuidando').

Invariable Ending

Unlike adjectives, 'cuidando' never changes its ending. It is always 'cuidando,' regardless of who is doing the caring (yo, ellos, nosotros, etc.).

Using 'Ser' Instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy cuidando a mi gato.”

Correction: Estoy cuidando a mi gato. Remember to use 'estar' when talking about temporary or ongoing actions.

Attaching Pronouns Incorrectly

Mistake: “Lo estoy cuidando.”

Correction: Estoy cuidándolo (or Lo estoy cuidando). Pronouns like 'lo' (it) can go before 'estar' OR attached to the end of 'cuidando'.

pendiente

pen-DYEN-tehpenˈdjen.te

adjectiveB1taking care of someone
Use 'pendiente' when you are waiting for or keeping an eye out for a specific event or person to appear or act.
A young child sitting on the floor, leaning forward slightly with a look of intense concentration and wide, focused eyes, demonstrating attentiveness.

Examples

El recepcionista está pendiente de la llegada de los invitados.

The receptionist is watching over (waiting for) the arrival of the guests.

Estoy pendiente de que me llamen del banco.

I am waiting for/keeping an eye out for the bank to call me.

Ella siempre está pendiente de sus hermanos menores.

She is always looking after her younger siblings.

El camarero está muy pendiente de las mesas.

The waiter is very attentive to the tables.

Fixed Phrase

This meaning almost always requires the verb 'estar' (to be) followed by the preposition 'de' (of/about): 'estar pendiente de algo/alguien'.

Missing Preposition

Mistake: “Saying 'Estoy pendiente tu llamada'.”

Correction: You must include 'de': 'Estoy pendiente de tu llamada' (I'm waiting for your call).

Active Supervision vs. Waiting

Learners often confuse 'cuidando' and 'pendiente' by using 'cuidando' when they mean simply waiting for something to happen. Remember, 'cuidando' implies active care or supervision, while 'pendiente' is about being alert and ready for an event.

Related Translations

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