QUICK ANSWER
"Be careful" is a form of "be careful", a phrase which is often translated as "ten cuidado". "Beware" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "tener cuidado". Learn more about the difference between "beware" and "be careful" below.
beware(
bi
-
wehr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. tener cuidado
I always try to beware when I'm walking through neighborhoods like this.Siempre trato de tener cuidado cuando estoy pasando por barrios como este.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
a. ¡cuidado!
Beware! The swamp is full of ghastly creatures.¡Cuidado! El pantano está lleno de fieras espantosas.
be careful(
bi
kehr
-
fuhl
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. ten cuidado (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Be careful out there. The sidewalk is slippery.Ten cuidado afuera. Está resbalosa la acera.
b. tenga cuidado (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Please be careful, madam. The streets aren't safe.Por favor tenga cuidado, señora. Las calles son peligrosas.
3. (imperative)
b. aguas (colloquial) (Mexico)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Mexico
Be careful with that necklace! It's very fragile.¡Aguas con ese collar! Es muy frágil.
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. tener cuidado
Make sure to be careful with that platter. It's fine china and is very expensive.Asegúrate de tener cuidado con esa bandeja. Es de porcelana y es muy caro.
