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"Be careful" is a form of "be careful", a phrase which is often translated as "ten cuidado". "Look after" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "cuidar". Learn more about the difference between "look after" and "be careful" below.
look after(
look
ahf
-
tuhr
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
b. cuidar de
Juliana looks after orphaned bats for a local animal charity.Juliana cuida de murciélagos huérfanos para una organización benéfica local de animales.
c. velar por
There were commandos taking turns looking after the security of the building.Había comandos que se turnaban para velar por la seguridad alrededor del edificio.
3. (to manage)
a. encargarse de
My sister looks after the shoe store on Tuesdays.Mi hermana se encarga de la zapatería los martes.
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.
