Be careful
A short, quick warning, like 'Watch out!' or 'Careful!'. Use it when there's immediate, minor danger.
The formal version of 'Ten cuidado'. Use this with strangers, older people, or in professional settings (addressing 'usted').
Means 'with care' or 'carefully'. It describes how an action should be done, rather than being a direct warning.
A very common, informal slang in Mexico for 'Watch out!'. Literally means 'waters'.
Be careful, the floor is wet.
Careful! The plate is very hot.
Sir, be careful when crossing the street.
Carry the box carefully, please.
Watch out for the car! (common in Mexico)
'Ten cuidado' (informal, for 'tú') and 'Tenga cuidado' (formal, for 'usted') are the standard and universally understood phrases.
In addition to the standard phrases, '¡Aguas!' is extremely common as an informal, quick warning for 'Watch out!'
You will often hear '¡Pilas!' used in the same way as Mexico's '¡Aguas!'. It literally means 'batteries' but is used to mean 'Be sharp!' or 'Watch out!'
For the informal command, they use the 'vos' form: 'Tené cuidado'. Notice the accent and stress on the last syllable.
While 'Ten cuidado' is used for 'tú', they also use 'Tened cuidado' for the plural informal 'vosotros', which is not used in Latin America.
Saying '*Ser cuidado*' — The phrase 'to be careful' translates to 'tener cuidado' (literally 'to have care'). Using the verb 'ser' is a direct translation error. Always use 'tener'.
Using 'Ten cuidado' in a formal situation. — 'Ten cuidado' is informal (for 'tú'). When speaking to an authority figure, an older person, or a stranger, you should use the formal 'Tenga cuidado' (for 'usted') to show respect.
Confusing 'cuidado' with 'cuarto'. — For new learners, the sounds can be similar. 'Cuidado' (kwee-DAH-doh) means 'care'. 'Cuarto' (KWAR-toh) means 'room'. Be sure to pronounce the 'i' in 'cuidado'.
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