be careful

tener cuidado

ten cuidado

be careful(bi kehr-fuhl)

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.).

intransitive verb phrase

1. (to exercise caution)

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.

A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g once upon a time).

phrase

2. (imperative; used to address one person)

a. ten cuidado

A word of phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g. How are you?).

(informal)

(singular)

Be careful out there. The sidewalk is slippery.Ten cuidado afuera. Está resbalosa la acera.

b. tenga cuidado

A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g. usted).

(formal)

(singular)

Please be careful, madam. The streets aren't safe.Por favor tenga cuidado, señora. Las calles son peligrosas.

3. (imperative; used to address multiple people)

a. tengan cuidado (plural)

Be careful if you're out late.Tengan cuidado si regresan a casa tarde.

4. (imperative)

a. cuidado

Be careful, Carl! The oven is on.¡Cuidado, Carl! Está prendido el horno.

b. aguas

A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g. skinny, grandma).

(colloquial)

Regionalism used in Mexico

(Mexico)

Be careful with that necklace! It's very fragile.¡Aguas con ese collar! Es muy frágil.