vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Ten cuidado" is an interjection which is often translated as "watch out", and "pórtate bien" is a phrase which is often translated as "behave yourself". Learn more about the difference between "ten cuidado" and "pórtate bien" below.
ten cuidado(
tehn
 
kwee
-
dah
-
doh
)
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
interjection
a. watch out
¡Ten cuidado! El piso está resbaloso.Watch out! The floor is slippery.
a. careful
¡Ten cuidado! Si no agarras bien el plato se te va a caer.Careful! If you don't hold the plate properly, you'll drop it.
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. be careful
Ten cuidado al cruzar la calle. Asegúrate siempre de que no viene ningún carro.Be careful when you cross the street. Always make sure no cars are coming.
b. take care
Ten cuidado de no quemarte con la cazuela que está muy caliente.Take care not to burn yourself with the pan because It's very hot.
a. be careful
Ten cuidado con la cámara. Si la sigues tratando así te va a durar muy poco.Be careful with your camera. If you go on treating it like that, it won't last long.
a. watch
Ten cuidado con ella que a mí ya me la ha jugado dos veces.Watch her because she has already played a dirty trick on me twice.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
pórtate bien(
pohr
-
tah
-
teh
 
byehn
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
1.
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
(informal)
(imperative; second person singular)
a. behave yourself
Pórtate bien o te van a castigar.Behave yourself or you'll be grounded.
b. behave well
Guarda silencio y pórtate bien.Be silent and behave well.
c. be good
Pórtate bien o no te compraré dulces.Be good or I won't buy candy for you.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.