cuidar

Senses

1. 1.

   to care for, to look after

   to provide care or attention to a person or thing

2. 2.

   to take care, to be careful

   to exercise caution or pay attention to something

3. 3.

   to watch over, to guard

   to keep someone or something under protective observation

Examples

• "Mi madre cuida a mis hermanos cuando no estoy en casa."

  My mother looks after my younger siblings when I'm not home.

• "Tienes que cuidar tu salud comiendo bien y haciendo ejercicio."

  You have to take care of your health by eating well and exercising.

• "¡Cuidado! Cuida el escalón, que es muy alto."

  Watch out! Be careful of the step-it's very high.

Usage

Very common verb in everyday Spanish. Often used with reflexive form "cuidarse" (to take care of oneself). The phrase "cuidado" (watch out / be careful) is derived from this verb and is used as an interjection. In Latin American Spanish, cuidar is neutral in register; in Spain, it can imply a more sustained or professional form of care.