In 15 Seconds
- Use it to tell someone to be extra cautious.
- Works for physical safety, social risks, or financial decisions.
- It is a helpful, protective phrase for friends and colleagues.
Meaning
It means you need to be really careful or pay close attention. It is a way of emphasizing that a situation requires caution or alertness.
Key Examples
3 of 6Warning a friend about a slippery floor
O chão está molhado, é bom bastante tomar cuidado.
The floor is wet, it's good to be very careful.
Discussing a risky investment with a colleague
Nesse mercado, é preciso bastante tomar cuidado com as oscilações.
In this market, one must be very careful with the fluctuations.
Texting a friend about a shady neighborhood
Vai lá, mas precisa bastante tomar cuidado naquela rua à noite.
Go there, but you need to be really careful on that street at night.
Cultural Background
In Brazilian culture, giving warnings is seen as an act of 'carinho' (affection). It is very common for mothers and grandmothers to repeat this phrase constantly as you leave the house. It highlights a cultural tendency to prioritize communal well-being and safety through verbal reminders.
The 'É preciso' trick
If you are unsure how to start the sentence, just use 'É preciso...' or 'Tem que...'. It makes the phrase flow naturally.
Don't say 'fazer cuidado'
In English you 'take' care, in Portuguese you 'tomar' care. Never use 'fazer' (to make/do) or you'll sound like a robot!
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to tell someone to be extra cautious.
- Works for physical safety, social risks, or financial decisions.
- It is a helpful, protective phrase for friends and colleagues.
What It Means
Bastante tomar cuidado is all about caution. It is not just about being careful. It is about being really careful. Think of it as a red flag. It tells you to watch your step. It is used when a situation is tricky. Or when someone might get hurt. Or even when you might lose money. It is the verbal equivalent of a 'Caution: Wet Floor' sign.
How To Use It
You usually put it at the start of a sentence. You can also say é preciso bastante tomar cuidado. It works well when giving advice. You are telling someone to keep their eyes open. It is a very flexible phrase. You can use it for physical safety. You can use it for social situations. You can even use it for business deals. Just remember to keep the tone helpful. You are looking out for someone.
When To Use It
Use it when the stakes are high. Use it when someone is driving in the rain. Use it when a friend is dating someone suspicious. It is perfect for professional emails too. Use it when discussing a risky project. It sounds responsible and mature. In a restaurant, use it if the plate is hot. With friends, use it if the floor is slippery. It is a universal 'heads up' for your loved ones.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for tiny things. If someone is just drinking water, it is overkill. Do not use it if there is no real risk. It can make you sound paranoid. Also, avoid it in very high-speed slang. In those cases, people just say cuidado!. This longer version is more for advice. It is not a sudden scream. It is a thoughtful warning.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are generally very protective of family and friends. We love to give advice, even when not asked! Giving a warning is a sign of affection. It shows you actually care about the other person. It reflects a culture that values social safety nets. We look out for each other in chaotic cities. It is a linguistic hug wrapped in a warning.
Common Variations
You might hear tem que tomar muito cuidado. This is the most common informal version. Another one is precisa ter cautela. That one is more formal and 'business-like'. Some people just say abre o olho. That literally means 'open your eye'. It is the slang version of being careful. But bastante tomar cuidado remains the gold standard for clear advice.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and fits almost any situation. The word `bastante` adds a layer of seriousness and emphasis that `muito` sometimes lacks.
The 'É preciso' trick
If you are unsure how to start the sentence, just use 'É preciso...' or 'Tem que...'. It makes the phrase flow naturally.
Don't say 'fazer cuidado'
In English you 'take' care, in Portuguese you 'tomar' care. Never use 'fazer' (to make/do) or you'll sound like a robot!
The Grandmother's Blessing
In Brazil, if someone tells you this as you leave, they are basically saying 'I love you, don't get hurt.' It's a very warm gesture.
Examples
6O chão está molhado, é bom bastante tomar cuidado.
The floor is wet, it's good to be very careful.
A classic everyday warning for physical safety.
Nesse mercado, é preciso bastante tomar cuidado com as oscilações.
In this market, one must be very careful with the fluctuations.
Professional use showing expertise and caution.
Vai lá, mas precisa bastante tomar cuidado naquela rua à noite.
Go there, but you need to be really careful on that street at night.
Informal advice via text message.
Não chegue perto, tem que bastante tomar cuidado com o fogo!
Don't go near, you have to be very careful with the fire!
Protective and emotional tone.
Gente, é bastante tomar cuidado ao comer o bolo do João!
Guys, you have to be really careful when eating João's cake!
Using the phrase for a lighthearted roast.
É fundamental bastante tomar cuidado ao assinar este documento.
It is fundamental to be very careful when signing this document.
High formality for legal or serious matters.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the warning about a dark alley.
É preciso ___ tomar cuidado ao caminhar por aqui.
We use 'bastante' to emphasize the high level of care needed.
Complete the sentence to advise a friend about a tricky person.
Com aquele vendedor, você tem que bastante ___ cuidado.
The verb 'tomar' is the standard collocation used with 'cuidado'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Bastante Tomar Cuidado'
Used with friends for minor warnings.
Cuidado aí!
Standard advice for most situations.
É bom bastante tomar cuidado.
Used in professional or legal contexts.
Recomenda-se bastante tomar cuidado.
Where to use 'Bastante Tomar Cuidado'
Traffic
Driving in heavy rain.
Finance
Signing a big contract.
Health
Handling hot kitchenware.
Social
Talking to a gossip.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesÉ preciso ___ tomar cuidado ao caminhar por aqui.
We use 'bastante' to emphasize the high level of care needed.
Com aquele vendedor, você tem que bastante ___ cuidado.
The verb 'tomar' is the standard collocation used with 'cuidado'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn this context, bastante means 'a lot' or 'very much'. It emphasizes that a normal amount of care isn't enough.
Yes, it is very appropriate. You can say Precisamos bastante tomar cuidado com os prazos to sound professional and alert.
They are almost identical. Tomar cuidado is more active (taking care), while ter cuidado is more state-based (having care).
Yes, but they might prefer ter muito cuidado. Bastante is very common in Brazil for this specific emphasis.
Absolutely! You can warn a friend to bastante tomar cuidado with a spicy pepper or a bad movie.
No. In an emergency, just yell Cuidado!. This phrase is for advice, not for someone about to be hit by a bus.
Yes, it's perfect for giving a 'heads up' to a friend about something they are planning to do.
Using muito instead of bastante is fine, but using fazer cuidado is a big mistake. Always use tomar or ter.
Not if you use a soft tone. It usually sounds like you are being helpful and protective.
Yes, as a short warning. For example: Bastante cuidado ao descer a escada! (Lots of care when going down the stairs!)
Related Phrases
Fique atento
Stay alert / Pay attention
Abre o olho
Keep your eyes peeled (Informal)
Pisar em ovos
To walk on eggshells
Cautela e canja de galinha
Caution and chicken soup (don't hurt anyone)
