In 15 Seconds
- Used to warn someone about a physical or metaphorical danger.
- Functions as a warm 'take care' when saying goodbye to friends.
- Pair it with 'com' to point out a specific hazard or risk.
Meaning
This is the most common way to tell someone to 'be careful' or 'take care.' It is your go-to phrase for warning someone about a physical hazard or wishing them safety before a trip.
Key Examples
3 of 6Warning a friend about a slippery floor
O chão está molhado, tome cuidado!
The floor is wet, take care!
Saying goodbye to a colleague after work
Tome cuidado no caminho de volta.
Take care on the way back.
Texting a friend who is going on a solo trip
Boa viagem e tome cuidado, hein!
Have a good trip and take care, okay!
Cultural Background
It is extremely common to end a phone call or a visit with 'Tome cuidado'. It is a sign of affection and intimacy. Portuguese people tend to be more direct. They use 'Cuidado!' for immediate danger but might just say 'Adeus' or 'Até logo' for goodbyes without the safety warning unless it's actually dangerous. The phrase is often followed by 'Vá com Deus' (Go with God), blending personal caution with divine protection. In large cities like São Paulo or Rio, 'Tome cuidado' is a practical piece of advice regarding cell phone usage in public.
Shorten it!
In an emergency, don't say the whole phrase. Just yell 'Cuidado!'
Preposition Alert
Always use 'com' for objects. 'Tome cuidado com o fogo!'
In 15 Seconds
- Used to warn someone about a physical or metaphorical danger.
- Functions as a warm 'take care' when saying goodbye to friends.
- Pair it with 'com' to point out a specific hazard or risk.
What It Means
Tome cuidado is your basic safety net in Portuguese. It literally translates to 'take care.' You use it when there is a literal or metaphorical danger nearby. It is warm, direct, and very common. Think of it as a verbal pat on the back. It says 'I want you to stay safe.'
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone command. Just say Tome cuidado! if someone is about to trip. You can also add com to specify the danger. For example, Tome cuidado com o degrau means 'watch the step.' It is a very flexible verb-phrase combo. You can also use it when saying goodbye. It functions like the English 'take care' in that context.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend is driving home at night. Use it at a construction site. It is perfect for telling someone to watch their belongings in a crowd. Use it in a meeting when discussing a risky business move. It works when texting a family member who is traveling. It is the Swiss Army knife of safety phrases.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for deep emotional 'caring.' If you want to say 'I care about you,' use eu me importo. Also, do not use it if the danger is immediate and life-threatening. In those cases, just yell Cuidado! or Olha!. Tome cuidado is a bit too wordy for a falling piano. It sounds a bit too calm for a sudden emergency.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people are generally very protective of their 'tribes.' Saying Tome cuidado is a sign of affection and social bonding. It shows you are looking out for the other person's well-being. It is deeply ingrained in the culture of hospitality. You will hear it from grandmothers and Uber drivers alike. It reflects a culture that values personal connection and safety.
Common Variations
You can change the verb based on who you are talking to. In many parts of Brazil, people say Toma cuidado. This is the informal version using the tu or você imperative. In Portugal, Tem cuidado is more frequent. You might also hear Se cuida as a casual goodbye. All of these share the same protective DNA.
Usage Notes
While 'Tome' is the standard neutral form, 'Toma' is the dominant informal version in Brazil. In Portugal, 'Tem cuidado' is the standard equivalent.
Shorten it!
In an emergency, don't say the whole phrase. Just yell 'Cuidado!'
Preposition Alert
Always use 'com' for objects. 'Tome cuidado com o fogo!'
The Brazilian Goodbye
Use it even if there's no real danger; it just sounds friendly.
Portugal vs Brazil
If you are in Lisbon, try 'Tem cuidado' to sound more local.
Examples
6O chão está molhado, tome cuidado!
The floor is wet, take care!
A direct warning about a physical hazard.
Tome cuidado no caminho de volta.
Take care on the way back.
A polite and professional way to wish someone a safe commute.
Boa viagem e tome cuidado, hein!
Have a good trip and take care, okay!
The 'hein' adds a casual, insistent tone of affection.
Tome cuidado com esse site, parece golpe.
Be careful with this website, it looks like a scam.
Used for digital or metaphorical dangers.
Tome cuidado para não quebrar a casa inteira!
Take care not to break the whole house!
Hyperbole used to tell a child to stop running around.
Eu só quero que você tome cuidado com essa escolha.
I just want you to be careful with this choice.
Used for life decisions and emotional weight.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
Tome cuidado ___ o trânsito.
We use 'com' to indicate what we should be careful with.
Which sentence is a correct warning about an action?
Select the correct option:
'Para não' is used before a verb to warn against a negative outcome.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Amigo A: 'Já vou, o Uber chegou.' Amigo B: 'Beleza! ______ no caminho!'
'Tome cuidado' is the most natural way to wish someone a safe trip home.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You see a child playing with a sharp knife.
'Com' is used for objects like a knife.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use Tome Cuidado
Physical
- • Wet floor
- • Traffic
- • Sharp objects
Social
- • Goodbyes
- • Travel
- • Night time
Advice
- • Contracts
- • Internet
- • Secrets
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTome cuidado ___ o trânsito.
We use 'com' to indicate what we should be careful with.
Select the correct option:
'Para não' is used before a verb to warn against a negative outcome.
Amigo A: 'Já vou, o Uber chegou.' Amigo B: 'Beleza! ______ no caminho!'
'Tome cuidado' is the most natural way to wish someone a safe trip home.
Situation: You see a child playing with a sharp knife.
'Com' is used for objects like a knife.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, 'Toma' is the informal 'tu' version, common in Portugal and some parts of Brazil.
'Tome cuidado' is about avoiding danger; 'Se cuide' is about general health and self-care.
Use 'Tome cuidado para não' + verb. Example: 'Tome cuidado para não esquecer.'
It is a noun meaning 'care'. 'Tomar' is the verb.
No, use 'Pagar a conta' or 'Cuidar da conta'.
It's a cultural way of showing affection and concern for others.
Ser descuidado (to be careless) or agir com imprudência.
Yes, especially when giving advice or warnings about a project.
Yes, for a group say 'Tomem cuidado'.
Related Phrases
Se cuide
similarTake care of yourself
Fique atento
synonymStay alert
Abra o olho
idiomOpen your eye
Preste atenção
similarPay attention
Vá com cuidado
specialized formGo with care
