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A2 noun #4,500 most common 11 min read

cautela

Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips cautela in 30 Seconds

Explanation cautela in your Level:

At the A1 level, you primarily need to recognize 'cautela' as a word meaning 'care'. You might see it on signs or hear it in very basic warnings. While you will mostly use the simpler word 'cuidado' (careful) at this stage, knowing 'cautela' helps you understand more formal instructions. Think of it as a synonym for 'cuidado' that you use when you want to be extra polite or serious. For example, if you are telling a friend to drive slowly because of the rain, you might say 'Dirija com cautela'. It's a great 'power word' to add to your basic vocabulary to sound more advanced than you actually are. Focus on the phrase 'com cautela' (with caution) as it is the most useful for beginners. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember it is a feminine noun like 'água' or 'casa'.

At the A2 level, you should begin to use 'cautela' in your own sentences, especially when giving advice or describing how someone did something. You should understand that 'cautela' is a noun and is often used with the verb 'ter' (to have). Phrases like 'Tenha cautela' (Be cautious) are very common. You should also be able to distinguish between 'cuidado' (everyday care) and 'cautela' (prudence/caution). At this level, you might encounter 'cautela' in short news snippets or public announcements. You should be comfortable using it with basic adjectives like 'muita' (much) or 'alguma' (some). Remember: 'muita cautela' (feminine agreement). This is also where you might learn the famous proverb 'Cautela e caldo de galinha não fazem mal a ninguém', which means you can never be too careful.

By B1, you are expected to use 'cautela' naturally in various contexts, including professional and social situations. You should understand its role in expressing risk management. For example, 'É preciso cautela ao assinar contratos' (Caution is needed when signing contracts). You will start to see the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as passive voices or conditional sentences. You should also recognize its related forms, like the adjective 'cauteloso' (cautious) and the adverb 'cautelosamente' (cautiously). At this level, you should be able to explain *why* someone needs cautela, using connectors like 'visto que' or 'porque'. You are moving beyond simple safety and into the realm of 'prudence'—the intellectual side of being careful.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuance between 'cautela', 'prudência', and 'precaução'. You should be able to use 'cautela' in formal writing, such as essays or business emails. You will encounter the word in legal and economic texts frequently. For instance, you should understand terms like 'medida cautelar' (precautionary measure) in a legal context. You can use 'cautela' to discuss abstract concepts, like 'cautela diplomática' or 'cautela científica'. Your usage should reflect an understanding that 'cautela' implies a deliberate strategy to avoid errors, not just a physical reaction to danger. You should also be able to use the word to describe someone's character or a specific approach to a complex problem.

At the C1 level, you use 'cautela' with precision and stylistic flair. You understand its rhetorical value in persuasive speech and high-level journalism. You might use it to critique a situation, such as 'A excessiva cautela do governo beira a inércia' (The government's excessive caution borders on inertia). You are familiar with literary uses and can identify the word in classical Portuguese literature. You understand the subtle shift in meaning when the word is used in the plural ('cautelas') to signify a set of preventive measures. Your vocabulary includes near-synonyms like 'circunspecção' and you know exactly when to use 'cautela' versus these more obscure terms. You can discuss the etymology and the cultural weight the word carries in different Lusophone countries.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native intuition for 'cautela'. You can use it in highly technical legal, philosophical, or scientific discourses without hesitation. You understand its historical evolution from Latin and how it fits into the broader Romance language family's concepts of risk and care. You can play with the word in puns, poetry, or complex metaphors. You are aware of regionalisms, such as the specific usage of 'cautela' for lottery tickets in Portugal, and you can navigate these cultural nuances effortlessly. You can use the word to convey subtle shades of irony or skepticism. For a C2 learner, 'cautela' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a tool for nuanced expression that reflects a deep understanding of the Lusophone worldview regarding safety, risk, and wisdom.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

cautela in 30 Seconds

Cautela means caution or prudence in Portuguese, used to describe careful behavior.
It is a feminine noun ('a cautela') and is more formal than 'cuidado'.
Commonly used in phrases like 'com cautela' (cautiously) and 'ter cautela' (to have caution).
Essential for discussing safety, risk management, legal matters, and giving serious advice.

The Portuguese word cautela is a feminine noun that translates most directly to 'caution', 'carefulness', or 'prudence' in English. While it shares a common Latin ancestor with the English word 'caution', its usage in Portuguese often carries a slightly more profound sense of wisdom and preventive care. It is not merely about being afraid; it is about the intellectual and practical foresight required to avoid negative outcomes. In the Lusophone world, cautela is viewed as a virtue—a sign of maturity and level-headedness. You will encounter this word in a vast array of contexts, from a mother telling her child to cross the street carefully to a financial analyst discussing the risks of a volatile stock market. It is a word that bridges the gap between everyday physical safety and abstract strategic planning.

Everyday Safety: In daily life, 'cautela' is used when dealing with physical risks. If the floor is wet, you walk with 'cautela'. If you are handling a sharp knife, you do it with 'cautela'.

É preciso ter muita cautela ao caminhar por estas rochas escorregadias.

Financial and Professional Contexts: In business, it refers to due diligence and risk management. An investor might proceed with 'cautela' when the economy is uncertain, meaning they are being deliberate and not rushing into decisions.

The word implies a conscious effort to be watchful. It is often paired with the verb 'ter' (to have) or 'agir com' (to act with). When you 'have caution', you are possessing a quality; when you 'act with caution', you are applying that quality to a specific task. Understanding 'cautela' is essential for A2 learners because it is one of those high-frequency nouns that appears in warnings, instructions, and advice. It is less about the 'scare' and more about the 'preparation'. For example, a sign might say 'Cuidado' (Watch out/Careful), but a formal document will advise 'Cautela' (Prudence/Caution). This distinction is subtle but important for achieving natural-sounding Portuguese.

O governo agiu com cautela antes de anunciar as novas medidas econômicas.

Emotional and Interpersonal Prudence: It is also used when discussing how to speak or treat others. If a topic is sensitive, you approach it with 'cautela' to avoid hurting feelings or causing conflict.

Devemos ter cautela com o que dizemos em público.

A cautela é a mãe da segurança.

Eles avançaram com cautela pela floresta escura.

Using cautela correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its typical collocations. In Portuguese, we don't usually 'be cautious' (using an adjective like 'cauteloso') as often as we 'act with caution' or 'have caution'. This preference for the noun form is a hallmark of sophisticated Portuguese. When you want to tell someone to be careful, you can use the imperative 'Tenha cautela!' (Have caution!). This sounds more formal and serious than the common 'Cuidado!'. It suggests that the person needs to think and be prudent, rather than just reacting to an immediate physical danger.

The Preposition 'Com': The most common construction is 'com cautela'. It functions as an adverbial phrase meaning 'cautiously'. You can place it after a verb to describe the manner of an action: 'Dirija com cautela' (Drive with caution).

O médico explicou o diagnóstico com muita cautela.

The Verb 'Ter': 'Ter cautela' is used to express the need for prudence. It is often followed by the preposition 'com' (regarding/with) or 'ao' (when/at). Example: 'Tenha cautela com estranhos' (Have caution with strangers).

É recomendável ter cautela ao investir em criptomoedas.

In academic or journalistic writing, 'cautela' is frequently used as the subject of a sentence to discuss a general mood. For instance, 'A cautela dos investidores travou a bolsa' (The investors' caution stalled the stock market). Here, 'cautela' represents a collective psychological state. It is also common in legal contexts, where 'dever de cautela' (duty of care) refers to the legal obligation to avoid causing harm to others. This technical usage highlights the word's connection to responsibility and foresight. Whether you are writing a text message or a formal report, using 'cautela' instead of 'cuidado' can elevate your Portuguese and show a better grasp of the language's nuances.

A cautela excessiva pode, por vezes, impedir o progresso.

Combining with Adjectives: You can modify 'cautela' with adjectives like 'extrema' (extreme), 'redobrada' (doubled/extra), or 'mínima' (minimum). 'Cautela redobrada' is a very common phrase during winter months regarding road safety.

Precisamos de cautela redobrada devido à neblina na estrada.

O plano foi executado com uma cautela quase cirúrgica.

A falta de cautela foi a causa principal do acidente.

You will hear cautela in a variety of settings across the Portuguese-speaking world. In the news, it is a staple of economic and political reporting. Journalists often describe the market's reaction to news as one of 'cautela'. For example, if a new law is proposed, the headline might read 'Mercados reagem com cautela' (Markets react with caution). This implies that investors are waiting for more information before making big moves. It's the language of the 'wait and see' approach. In Brazil and Portugal, news anchors use this word to sound objective and professional.

Medical Consultations: Doctors use 'cautela' when discussing treatments or medications with side effects. A doctor might say, 'Devemos usar este medicamento com cautela em pacientes idosos' (We should use this medication with caution in elderly patients).

O cirurgião operou com extrema cautela para não danificar os nervos.

Parental Advice and Education: While parents might yell 'Cuidado!' in the heat of the moment, when they sit down to give advice, they use 'cautela'. 'Filho, tenha cautela com as amizades que você escolhe' (Son, have caution with the friendships you choose).

In the legal world, judges and lawyers use 'cautela' to describe the standard of behavior expected from a reasonable person. The 'medida cautelar' (precautionary measure) is a very common legal term referring to court orders intended to protect rights or ensure the effectiveness of a future judgment—like a restraining order or freezing assets. If you watch a Portuguese crime drama or read a Brazilian newspaper's legal section, you will see 'cautelar' or 'cautela' constantly. Furthermore, in sports commentary, a coach might be described as having a 'postura de cautela' (cautious posture) if their team is playing defensively to protect a lead. It’s a word that signals a strategic, non-aggressive approach.

O juiz determinou uma medida cautelar para proteger a vítima.

Public Service Announcements: During pandemics or natural disasters, government officials repeatedly use 'cautela' to urge the public to follow safety protocols without causing panic.

A defesa civil pede cautela aos moradores das áreas de risco.

A cautela deve guiar nossas ações neste momento de crise.

O técnico pediu cautela nos passes para evitar contra-ataques.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with cautela is confusing it with the word cuidado. While they are often synonyms, they are not always interchangeable. 'Cuidado' is more common as an interjection ('Watch out!') and for general care. 'Cautela' is more formal and implies a deliberate, intellectual state of prudence. If you see a 'Wet Floor' sign, it will say 'Cuidado: Piso Molhado', not 'Cautela: Piso Molhado'. Using 'cautela' in such a simple, immediate situation can sound overly dramatic or stiff. Think of 'cuidado' as 'care' and 'cautela' as 'caution/prudence'.

Gender Agreement: Because it ends in 'a', 'cautela' is feminine. A common error is using masculine modifiers: 'muito cautela' (wrong) instead of 'muita cautela' (right). Always pair it with 'a', 'esta', 'muita', or 'nossa'.

Errado: Ele agiu com muito cautela. Correto: Ele agiu com muita cautela.

Confusing with 'Cautelar' (Adjective/Verb): Learners sometimes use the noun 'cautela' when they need the adjective 'cauteloso' or the verb 'acautelar'. Remember: 'cautela' is the thing you have, 'cauteloso' is what you are, and 'acautelar' is the action of protecting yourself.

Another mistake is overusing the word. In English, we say 'be careful' for almost everything. In Portuguese, we have 'tem cuidado', 'presta atenção', 'olha', 'fica atento', and 'tem cautela'. If you use 'cautela' for every minor thing, like holding a glass of water, you will sound like a textbook or a very formal person from the 19th century. Reserve 'cautela' for situations that require genuine deliberation, risk assessment, or formal warnings. Finally, don't confuse 'cautela' with 'calma' (calmness). While they often go together, 'cautela' is about avoiding danger, while 'calma' is about emotional state and speed. You can be fast but have cautela, or you can be slow but be reckless.

Não confunda cautela (caution) com medo (fear).

Misplacing 'Com': Sometimes learners say 'Tenha cautela de...' when they should say 'Tenha cautela com...'. The preposition 'com' is the standard bridge to the object of your caution.

Tenha cautela com as palavras, pois elas têm poder.

A cautela excessiva pode levar à paralisia de análise.

Devemos analisar o contrato com cautela antes de assinar.

Portuguese is rich in synonyms for cautela, each with its own specific flavor. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternative is cuidado. While 'cautela' is about the mental state of prudence, 'cuidado' is more about the practical act of being careful. You can 'take care' of a plant (cuidar), but you wouldn't 'take caution' of it in the same way. 'Cuidado' is the everyday workhorse, while 'cautela' is the sophisticated specialist.

Prudência vs. Cautela: 'Prudência' is almost identical to 'cautela' but leans even more towards wisdom and moral judgment. It is often used in philosophical or high-level strategic discussions. 'Cautela' is slightly more grounded in physical or immediate risk.

A prudência aconselha a não tomar decisões precipitadas.

Precaução vs. Cautela: 'Precaução' refers to a specific action taken beforehand to prevent something. While 'cautela' is a state of being, a 'precaução' is a measure. You take 'precauções' because you have 'cautela'.

In some contexts, circunspecção is used. This is a very formal word meaning 'circumspection' or 'discretion'. It implies being very careful about what one says or does to avoid social or professional embarrassment. Another related term is previdência, which refers to 'foresight' or 'providing for the future' (as in 'Previdência Social' - Social Security). While 'cautela' is about avoiding current or imminent danger, 'previdência' is about preparing for the long term. Finally, zêlo (zeal/care) is used when the care comes from a place of affection or duty, like 'zêlo pelo trabalho' (care/dedication to work). Choosing between these depends on whether you are avoiding a pitfall (cautela), acting wisely (prudência), taking a specific step (precaução), or being dedicated (zêlo).

Como precaução, leve um guarda-chuva.

Tento vs. Cautela: 'Tento' is more about keeping your wits about you. 'Põe tento no que fazes!' (Pay attention/Be careful what you're doing!). It's more colloquial in some regions.

Ele trata os livros da biblioteca com muito zêlo.

A circunspecção do diplomata evitou um incidente internacional.

A previdência é essencial para uma reforma tranquila.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Latin root 'cavere' is also where we get the English legal phrase 'caveat emptor' (let the buyer beware).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kaw.ˈtɛ.lɐ/

US /kaw.ˈtɛ.lɐ/

The stress is on the second syllable: cau-TE-la.

Rhymes With

capela janela vela tabela fivela novela estrela sequela

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'l' too clearly in Brazil (it should be more like a 'u').
Stress on the first syllable.
Nasalizing the 'au' too much.
Making the final 'a' too open like 'ah'.
Confusing the 'e' sound with 'ei'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate 'caution'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and correct prepositions.

Speaking 3/5

The 'au' diphthong and final 'l/u' sound need practice for naturalness.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear, but regional accents (PT vs BR) change the final 'l'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

cuidado medo perigo atenção ter

Learn Next

prudência precaução cauteloso acautelar risco

Advanced

circunspecção parcimônia ponderação discernimento previdência

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in '-a' are typically feminine.

A cautela (The caution).

Adverbial phrases of manner use 'com' + noun.

Ele agiu com cautela (He acted with caution/cautiously).

The verb 'ter' is used for possession of qualities.

Você tem cautela (You have caution/You are cautious).

Subjunctive mood after expressions of necessity/desire.

É preciso que tenhamos cautela.

Prepositional contraction 'ao' + infinitive for 'when'.

Tenha cautela ao dirigir (Have caution when driving).

Examples by Level

Eu ando com cautela.

I walk with caution.

Uses the preposition 'com' to form an adverbial phrase.

Tenha cautela com a faca.

Have caution with the knife.

Imperative form of the verb 'ter'.

Ela tem muita cautela.

She has much caution.

'Muita' agrees with the feminine noun 'cautela'.

O gato pula com cautela.

The cat jumps with caution.

Simple present tense.

A cautela é boa.

Caution is good.

Definite article 'A' used with the noun.

Dirija com cautela.

Drive with caution.

Imperative verb 'dirija'.

Nós precisamos de cautela.

We need caution.

Verb 'precisar' followed by the preposition 'de'.

O bebê toca tudo com cautela.

The baby touches everything with caution.

Subject-verb-object structure.

É preciso ter cautela ao atravessar a rua.

It is necessary to have caution when crossing the street.

Impersonal expression 'É preciso'.

Você deve agir com cautela nesta situação.

You must act with caution in this situation.

Modal verb 'deve' followed by infinitive.

O motorista teve cautela durante a chuva.

The driver had caution during the rain.

Past tense 'teve'.

Muita cautela nunca é demais.

Much caution is never too much.

Common idiomatic structure.

Eles abriram a caixa com muita cautela.

They opened the box with much caution.

Adverbial phrase with 'muita'.

A cautela ajudou a evitar o erro.

Caution helped to avoid the mistake.

Subject of the sentence.

Tenha cautela ao falar com o chefe.

Have caution when speaking with the boss.

Prepositional phrase 'ao falar'.

Não use este produto sem cautela.

Do not use this product without caution.

Negative imperative.

Os investidores estão agindo com cautela devido à crise.

Investors are acting with caution due to the crisis.

Present continuous tense.

Se tivéssemos tido mais cautela, nada disso teria acontecido.

If we had had more caution, none of this would have happened.

Past unreal conditional (subjunctive).

A cautela é fundamental para o sucesso de qualquer projeto.

Caution is fundamental for the success of any project.

Abstract noun as subject.

O médico recomendou cautela com a nova medicação.

The doctor recommended caution with the new medication.

Verb 'recomendar' taking a noun object.

Ela sempre analisa os riscos com extrema cautela.

She always analyzes the risks with extreme caution.

Use of 'extrema' for emphasis.

Apesar da cautela, o plano falhou.

Despite the caution, the plan failed.

Concessive phrase 'Apesar de'.

Precisamos de cautela para não ofender ninguém.

We need caution so as not to offend anyone.

Finality clause 'para não'.

O relatório sugere cautela na interpretação dos dados.

The report suggests caution in the interpretation of the data.

Formal academic tone.

A medida cautelar foi aplicada para garantir a ordem pública.

The precautionary measure was applied to ensure public order.

Legal terminology 'medida cautelar'.

O governo pede cautela à população diante dos novos impostos.

The government asks for caution from the population regarding the new taxes.

Indirect object 'à população'.

Operar máquinas pesadas exige uma cautela redobrada.

Operating heavy machinery requires redoubled (extra) caution.

Gerund subject 'Operar'.

Sua cautela excessiva foi interpretada como falta de confiança.

His excessive caution was interpreted as a lack of confidence.

Passive voice 'foi interpretada'.

É imperativo que ajamos com cautela nestas negociações.

It is imperative that we act with caution in these negotiations.

Present subjunctive 'ajamos'.

A cautela dos bancos dificultou o acesso ao crédito.

The banks' caution made access to credit difficult.

Genitive 'dos bancos'.

Devemos abordar este tema polêmico com a devida cautela.

We must approach this controversial theme with due caution.

Adjective 'devida' (due).

A falta de cautela resultou em danos irreparáveis.

The lack of caution resulted in irreparable damage.

Negative noun phrase 'A falta de'.

A prudência e a cautela são as vigas mestras da diplomacia.

Prudence and caution are the main pillars of diplomacy.

Metaphorical usage.

O cientista enfatizou a necessidade de cautela epistemológica.

The scientist emphasized the need for epistemological caution.

Academic adjective 'epistemológica'.

As cautelas adotadas pelo comitê revelaram-se insuficientes.

The precautions adopted by the committee proved to be insufficient.

Plural 'cautelas' used to mean specific measures.

Agir com cautela não é sinônimo de covardia, mas de sabedoria.

Acting with caution is not synonymous with cowardice, but with wisdom.

Contrastive structure 'não é... mas de'.

A narrativa é tecida com uma cautela que instiga o leitor.

The narrative is woven with a caution that intrigues the reader.

Literary metaphor 'tecida' (woven).

O juiz agiu com a cautela de quem conhece os meandros da lei.

The judge acted with the caution of one who knows the intricacies of the law.

Relative clause 'de quem conhece'.

Instalou-se um clima de cautela generalizada no setor imobiliário.

A climate of generalized caution has set in in the real estate sector.

Pronominal verb 'Instalou-se'.

A cautela é o antídoto contra o veneno da precipitação.

Caution is the antidote to the poison of haste.

Philosophical aphorism.

Sua oratória, embora brilhante, carecia da cautela necessária a um estadista.

His oratory, though brilliant, lacked the caution necessary for a statesman.

Concessive 'embora' and verb 'carecer'.

O mercado de capitais é um ecossistema onde a cautela dita a sobrevivência.

The capital market is an ecosystem where caution dictates survival.

Complex metaphorical ecosystem.

A cautela, elevada a dogma, pode asfixiar a inovação disruptiva.

Caution, elevated to dogma, can suffocate disruptive innovation.

Past participle 'elevada' acting as a modifier.

Não obstante a cautela imperante, alguns ousaram desafiar o status quo.

Notwithstanding the prevailing caution, some dared to challenge the status quo.

Formal preposition 'Não obstante'.

A exegese do texto exige uma cautela filológica quase obsessiva.

The exegesis of the text requires an almost obsessive philological caution.

Highly technical vocabulary (exegese, filológica).

O silêncio do réu foi uma manobra de cautela jurídica friamente calculada.

The defendant's silence was a coldly calculated maneuver of legal caution.

Compound noun phrase.

A cautela é a sentinela que guarda os portões da integridade.

Caution is the sentinel that guards the gates of integrity.

Poetic personification.

Sob o manto da cautela, escondia-se uma profunda indecisão política.

Under the cloak of caution, a deep political indecision was hidden.

Inverted subject 'escondia-se'.

Common Collocations

muita cautela

com cautela

ter cautela

cautela redobrada

extrema cautela

agir com cautela

excesso de cautela

pedir cautela

reagir com cautela

falta de cautela

Common Phrases

Cautela e caldo de galinha não fazem mal a ninguém.

— You can never be too careful. Literal: Caution and chicken soup don't hurt anyone.

Leva o guarda-chuva; cautela e caldo de galinha não fazem mal a ninguém.

Com cautela.

— Used as an instruction to do something carefully.

Abra a porta com cautela.

Por cautela.

— As a precaution; just to be safe.

Por cautela, vou trancar a porta duas vezes.

Toda a cautela é pouca.

— No amount of caution is enough (it's a very dangerous situation).

Ao lidar com eletricidade, toda a cautela é pouca.

Medida cautelar.

— A legal term for a precautionary measure or injunction.

O tribunal emitiu uma medida cautelar.

Ter cautela com...

— To be careful about or regarding something.

Tenha cautela com o que publica na internet.

Falta de cautela.

— A common way to describe negligence.

O acidente ocorreu por falta de cautela.

Cautela redobrada.

— Extra/Double caution, often used in weather warnings.

Atenção: cautela redobrada nas estradas hoje.

Recomenda-se cautela.

— Caution is recommended (formal warning).

Recomenda-se cautela ao visitar a região.

Agir com a devida cautela.

— To act with the necessary/proper caution.

O conselho agiu com a devida cautela.

Often Confused With

cautela vs cuidado

'Cuidado' is for immediate alertness; 'cautela' is for long-term prudence.

cautela vs calma

'Calma' is about speed and emotion; 'cautela' is about avoiding danger.

cautela vs medo

'Medo' is an emotion (fear); 'cautela' is a rational choice (caution).

Idioms & Expressions

"Cautela e caldo de galinha não fazem mal a ninguém"

— It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Vou checar o óleo do carro; cautela e caldo de galinha não fazem mal a ninguém.

informal/popular

"Andar com os pés de chumbo"

— To walk with lead feet; to proceed with extreme caution.

Nesta nova empresa, ele anda com os pés de chumbo.

informal

"Pôr as barbas de molho"

— To put one's beard to soak; to be on guard because of someone else's trouble.

Se o vizinho foi assaltado, ponha as barbas de molho.

informal

"Medir as palavras"

— To measure one's words; to speak with great caution.

Ele mediu as palavras para não causar briga.

neutral

"Pisar em ovos"

— To walk on eggshells; to act with extreme caution in a sensitive situation.

Estou pisando em ovos com o meu novo chefe.

informal

"Gato escaldado tem medo de água fria"

— A scalded cat is afraid of cold water; once bitten, twice shy.

Ele não investe mais; gato escaldado tem medo de água fria.

popular

"Não dar um passo maior que a perna"

— Don't take a step bigger than your leg; don't overextend yourself.

Tenha cautela e não dê um passo maior que a perna no negócio.

informal

"Olho vivo"

— Sharp eye; stay alert and cautious.

Fique de olho vivo naquele contrato.

informal

"Seguro morreu de velho"

— Mr. Safe died of old age; it pays to be cautious.

Vou levar um casaco extra; seguro morreu de velho.

popular

"Devagar se vai ao longe"

— Slowly one goes far; steady caution leads to success.

Trabalhe com cautela; devagar se vai ao longe.

popular

Easily Confused

cautela vs cauteloso

It's the adjective form.

Cautela is the noun (caution), cauteloso is the adjective (cautious). Use 'cautela' with 'ter' and 'cauteloso' with 'ser'.

Ele é cauteloso. Ele tem cautela.

cautela vs acautelar

It's the verb form.

Acautelar means to protect or warn. It is the action of applying cautela.

Devemos acautelar os nossos interesses.

cautela vs precaução

Very similar meaning.

Precaução is often a specific preventative measure. Cautela is the general attitude.

Tomei uma precaução por cautela.

cautela vs prudência

Synonyms.

Prudência is more philosophical/moral. Cautela is more practical/physical.

A prudência é uma virtude cardeal.

cautela vs cautela (lottery)

Specific to Portugal.

In Portugal, 'uma cautela' can be a lottery ticket fraction.

Comprei uma cautela da lotaria.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + [Verb] + com cautela.

Eu ando com cautela.

Tenha cautela com [Noun].

Tenha cautela com o fogo.

É preciso [Infinitive] com cautela.

É preciso investir com cautela.

A [Adjective] cautela de [Person/Group]...

A extrema cautela do banco...

Agir com cautela implica [Infinitive]...

Agir com cautela implica analisar todos os riscos.

Dirija com cautela ao [Verb].

Dirija com cautela ao chover.

Apesar da cautela, [Clause].

Apesar da cautela, o erro ocorreu.

Sob o pretexto da cautela, [Clause].

Sob o pretexto da cautela, ele não fez nada.

Word Family

Nouns

cautela

precaução

cautelosidade

Verbs

acautelar

acautelar-se

precaver

Adjectives

cauteloso

cautelar

acautelado

cuidado

prudência

vigilância

previdência

tento

How to Use It

frequency

Highly frequent in formal speech, news, and safety instructions.

Common Mistakes

Usar 'muito cautela'. → Usar 'muita cautela'.
'Cautela' is feminine, so the quantifier must be feminine too.
Confundir com 'cuidado' em interjeições. → Usar 'Cuidado!' para perigo imediato.
You don't yell 'Cautela!' if someone is about to trip. Use 'Cuidado!' instead.
Esquecer a preposição 'com'. → Dizer 'agir com cautela'.
In Portuguese, you act 'with' caution rather than just 'acting cautious'.
Confundir 'cautela' com 'calma'. → Usar 'cautela' para risco e 'calma' para tranquilidade.
Being calm is an emotion; being cautious is a strategy against risk.
Usar 'cautela' para 'care' (affection). → Usar 'carinho' ou 'zêlo'.
'Cautela' is only for avoiding danger/errors, not for showing love or affection.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always remember 'muita cautela', never 'muito'. It's a common trap for English speakers.

Sounding Professional

Use 'cautela' in business meetings instead of 'cuidado' to sound more serious and deliberate.

The Lottery Trick

In Portugal, if someone offers you a 'cautela', they are selling a lottery ticket, not giving advice!

The Adverb

Use 'cautelosamente' for literary effect, but stick to 'com cautela' for daily speech.

The Brazilian 'L'

Listen for 'cau-te-wa' in Rio or São Paulo. It's the same word as the European 'cau-te-la'.

Chicken Soup

Memorize the 'caldo de galinha' proverb. It's a perfect response when someone asks why you're being so careful.

Court News

When reading about Brazilian law, 'cautelar' is almost always related to court orders.

Medicine Labels

Look for 'cautela' on Portuguese medicine inserts; it usually precedes a list of warnings.

Road Signs

In Portugal, you'll see 'Cautela' on signs near construction or dangerous curves.

Think 'Caution'

Since it starts the same way as the English word, use that similarity to anchor the meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a CAUTious ELAn (moose) crossing the road. CAUT-ELA.

Visual Association

Imagine a yellow 'Caution' sign, but instead of 'Caution', it says 'Cautela' in purple letters.

Word Web

Segurança Risco Prudência Atenção Medida Juízo Proteção Prevenção

Challenge

Try to use 'cautela' in three different ways today: once for physical safety, once for financial advice, and once for social interaction.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'cautela', which comes from 'cautus' (careful, wary), the past participle of 'cavere' (to be on one's guard, to take care).

Original meaning: A security, a bond, or a precaution.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it to sound condescending when giving advice.

English speakers often over-rely on 'careful'. Learning 'cautela' helps you sound more professional and precise in Portuguese.

The proverb: 'Cautela e caldo de galinha não fazem mal a ninguém'. Legal term: 'Medida Cautelar' used in high-profile corruption cases like 'Lava Jato'. Literature: Used by Eça de Queirós to describe the social maneuvers of the 19th-century elite.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Driving

Dirija com cautela.
Cautela redobrada na chuva.
Tenha cautela nas curvas.
A falta de cautela causa acidentes.

Finance

Invista com cautela.
O mercado exige cautela.
Cautela dos investidores.
Analise os riscos com cautela.

Health

Use o remédio com cautela.
Cautela com os efeitos colaterais.
O médico pediu cautela.
Proceda com cautela pós-cirúrgica.

Legal

Medida cautelar.
Dever de cautela.
Ação cautelar.
Cautela jurídica.

Social

Fale com cautela.
Tenha cautela com quem você confia.
Aborde o assunto com cautela.
Sua cautela é admirável.

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que é uma pessoa que age com muita cautela ou você é mais impulsivo?"

"Em que situações você acha que a cautela é mais importante do que a coragem?"

"Você já teve algum problema por falta de cautela em uma viagem?"

"Qual é a sua opinião sobre a cautela excessiva nos negócios hoje em dia?"

"Você conhece o ditado sobre cautela e caldo de galinha?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que sua cautela evitou um grande erro ou acidente.

Reflexão: A cautela pode ser um obstáculo para a criatividade e a inovação? Explique.

Escreva sobre um momento em que você deveria ter tido mais cautela, mas não teve.

Como a cultura do seu país vê a cautela em comparação com a cultura brasileira ou portuguesa?

Liste cinco áreas da sua vida onde você pretende agir com mais cautela a partir de agora.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine: 'a cautela'. Always use feminine adjectives with it, like 'muita cautela' or 'extrema cautela'.

Yes, you say 'Tenha cautela'. However, 'Tenha cuidado' is more common in casual conversation.

'Cuidado' is broader and used for immediate warnings ('Watch out!'). 'Cautela' is more formal and implies strategic thinking to avoid risk.

You can say 'com cautela' or the adverb 'cautelosamente'. 'Com cautela' is more common.

It's a legal term for a 'precautionary measure' or an 'injunction' issued by a judge to protect a right.

Yes, it is very common in Brazil, especially in formal contexts, news, and professional environments.

'Cautela e caldo de galinha não fazem mal a ninguém' (Caution and chicken soup never hurt anyone).

Yes, 'cautelas'. It often refers to a set of specific precautions or, in Portugal, multiple lottery tickets.

No. While caution might be motivated by fear, 'cautela' is a positive attribute of being careful and wise.

Yes, particularly in writing, formal speech, and safety warnings. It's a key word for A2-B1 learners.