Care means actively looking after someone or something, showing attention and responsibility for their needs.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Looking after someone or something.
- Providing for needs and well-being.
- Showing attention and responsibility.
Overview
The word 'care' as a noun at the A1 CEFR level refers to the act of looking after someone or something, providing for their needs, and ensuring their safety and well-being. It's a fundamental concept related to responsibility and affection, often seen in family settings but also applicable to pets, plants, or even objects one values.
At this basic level, 'care' is used to describe the general act of looking after someone or something. It can be used with prepositions like 'for' (e.g., 'take care of') or as part of phrases indicating attention or concern.
This word is frequently encountered in contexts involving family relationships, such as parents caring for children or children caring for elderly parents. It also applies to caring for pets, looking after plants, or maintaining the condition of personal belongings. In a broader sense, it can refer to the general provision of services like healthcare or childcare.
While 'care' is about active looking after, 'love' is a strong feeling of affection. 'Help' is about assisting someone with a task. 'Protection' is about keeping someone safe from harm. 'Care' often encompasses elements of all these but focuses on the ongoing responsibility and attention involved.
Examples
Parents take care of their young children.
everydayLos padres cuidan de sus hijos pequeños.
She provides excellent care for her elderly mother.
formalElla proporciona una excelente atención a su madre anciana.
Make sure you take care of your new bike!
informal¡Asegúrate de cuidar bien tu bicicleta nueva!
The hospital offers professional medical care.
formalEl hospital ofrece atención médica profesional.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
take care
cuídate (as a farewell)
take care of
cuidar de
with care
con cuidado
Often Confused With
'Careful' is an adjective describing someone who is cautious and tries to avoid mistakes or danger. 'Care' as a noun refers to the act of looking after something or someone.
'Worry' is a feeling of anxiety or being troubled about potential problems. 'Care' is the active effort and responsibility taken to look after someone or something, often driven by concern but focused on action.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
At the A1 level, 'care' is typically used in simple sentences to express the act of looking after someone or something. The phrase 'take care of' is very common. Avoid using it in more complex grammatical structures until you reach a higher level.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse the noun 'care' with the adjective 'careful'. Remember that 'care' is about the action of looking after, while 'careful' describes a person's cautious manner.
Tips
Show you care with actions
Remember that 'care' involves doing things for others. Think about small actions you can take to show you care for your family or friends.
Don't confuse with 'careful'
'Careful' is an adjective meaning cautious. 'Care' as a noun is about looking after someone or something.
Family care is important
In many cultures, showing care for family members, especially the elderly and young, is highly valued and expected.
Word Origin
The word 'care' comes from the Old English 'caru', meaning 'sorrow, grief, anxiety, concern'. Over time, its meaning shifted to encompass the active effort made to alleviate that concern by looking after someone or something.
Cultural Context
In many societies, providing care for family members, especially children and the elderly, is a deeply ingrained cultural value. The level and type of care expected can vary significantly between cultures.
Memory Tip
Think of 'care' as 'Car-E' – imagine you are carefully driving your car (showing care for it) to keep it safe and in good condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsThe phrase 'take care of' means to be responsible for someone or something and to ensure they are safe and have what they need. For example, 'I take care of my younger sister.'
Yes, 'care' can be used for things you value or are responsible for, like plants or your car. For instance, 'You need to take care of your bike so it lasts longer.'
At this level, 'care' primarily refers to the action and responsibility of looking after someone or something. While it often comes from a feeling of affection, the word itself emphasizes the practical act of providing for needs.
Worry is a feeling of anxiety or unease about potential problems. Care is the action taken to prevent those problems or to look after someone's well-being, often stemming from concern but involving active effort.
Test Yourself
Parents often show great <___ > for their children.
'Care' fits best as it describes the attention and looking after parents provide for their children.
Which sentence is correct?
The phrase 'take care of' is the most common and natural way to express looking after someone or something. 'I give care to my dog' and 'My dog needs care' are also acceptable but 'take care of' is idiomatic.
Arrange: you / need / this / to / plant / care / for
This sentence correctly uses the verb 'care for' to mean looking after the plant.
Score: /3
Summary
Care means actively looking after someone or something, showing attention and responsibility for their needs.
- Looking after someone or something.
- Providing for needs and well-being.
- Showing attention and responsibility.
Show you care with actions
Remember that 'care' involves doing things for others. Think about small actions you can take to show you care for your family or friends.
Don't confuse with 'careful'
'Careful' is an adjective meaning cautious. 'Care' as a noun is about looking after someone or something.
Family care is important
In many cultures, showing care for family members, especially the elderly and young, is highly valued and expected.
Examples
4 of 4Parents take care of their young children.
Los padres cuidan de sus hijos pequeños.
She provides excellent care for her elderly mother.
Ella proporciona una excelente atención a su madre anciana.
Make sure you take care of your new bike!
¡Asegúrate de cuidar bien tu bicicleta nueva!
The hospital offers professional medical care.
El hospital ofrece atención médica profesional.
Quick Quiz
My older sister will take ____ of the dog while we are on holiday.
Correct!
The correct answer is: care
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Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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