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"Cuidar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to take care of", and "apreciar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to appreciate". Learn more about the difference between "cuidar" and "apreciar" below.
cuidar(
kwee
-
dahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to take care of
La vecina me cuida las plantas cuando estoy fuera.My neighbor takes care of my plants when I'm away.
b. to look after
¿Puedes cuidar a los niños mientras hago la cena?Could you look after the children while I'm cooking dinner?
c. to care for
Él cuida de su padre durante el verano cuando cierran la residencia.He cares for his father during the summer when the nursing home is closed.
a. to pay attention
Cuida mucho los detalles cuando invita a cenar a alguien.She pays great attention to detail when she invites someone for dinner.
b. to take care over
Cuida su apariencia porque trabaja de cara al público.He takes care over his appearance because he has to deal with customers in his job.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to take care of
Puedo cuidar de tu perro mientras estás de vacaciones.I can take care of your dog while you are on vacation.
b. to make sure that
Cuidaré de que esté todo listo para la inauguración.I'll make sure that everything is ready for the opening.
cuidarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to take care of oneself
¡Disfruten su viaje y por favor, cuídense bien!Have fun on your trip, and please take care of yourselves!
b. to look after oneself
Cuando cuides de otras personas, asegúrate de cuidarte a ti mismo también.While taking care of others, make sure to look after yourself as well.
c. to take care
Bueno, suerte con tus planes y ¡cuídate!Well, good luck with your plans and take care!
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to take care
El personal del hotel se cuidó de cada detalle en nuestra habitación.The hotel staff took care of every detail in our room.
apreciar(
ah
-
preh
-
syahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to appreciate
Aprecio mucho una buena taza de café cuando hace frío en la mañana.I really appreciate a good cup of coffee when it's cold in the morning.
a. to be fond of
Eres un excelente amigo y te aprecio mucho.You are a great friend and I am really fond of you.
3. (to see)
apreciarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
4. (financial)
a. to appreciate
La empresa se apreció ocho por ciento el año pasado.The company appreciated eight percent last year.
b. to rise
El precio de las acciones de nuestra empresa se apreciaron este año.Our company's stock price rose this year.
a. to appreciate
Se puede apreciar el uso del claroscuro en este cuadro.The use of chiaroscuro can be appreciated in this painting.