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"Tener cuidado" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to be careful", and "ten cuidado" is an interjection which is often translated as "watch out". Learn more about the difference between "tener cuidado" and "ten cuidado" below.
tener cuidado(
teh
-
nehr
kwee
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dah
-
doh
)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. to be careful
Ten cuidado cuando vayas a mover la olla con el agua hirviendo; te puedes quemar.Be careful when you move the pot with boiling water; you can burn yourself.
ten cuidado(
tehn
kwee
-
dah
-
doh
)An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
2. (look after)
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).
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.
