15秒了解
- Use it to warn others about immediate physical dangers.
- Combine with 'o' or 'a' depending on the noun's gender.
- Works for both physical objects and abstract social risks.
意思
It is a versatile way to say 'watch out for' or 'be careful with' something. You use it to warn someone about a physical danger or to advise caution regarding a person or situation.
关键例句
3 / 6Walking on a slippery floor
Cuidado com o chão molhado!
Watch out for the wet floor!
Eating spicy food
Cuidado com a pimenta, ela é forte.
Be careful with the pepper, it's strong.
In a professional meeting
Devemos ter cuidado com os prazos deste projeto.
We should be careful with the deadlines of this project.
文化背景
In Brazil, 'Cuidado com o sereno' is a common warning from elders. 'Sereno' refers to the night dew or cool air, which is culturally believed to cause colds or the flu. In Lisbon, you will often hear 'Cuidado com os elétricos'. The iconic yellow trams are silent and can be dangerous for distracted tourists. In Luanda, 'Cuidado com o mambo' can be used as slang. 'Mambo' is a generic word for 'thing' or 'situation', so it means 'Be careful with that situation'. Across the Lusophone world, 'Cuidado com o golpe' is the most common warning on social media, referring to the high prevalence of phishing and WhatsApp scams.
The 'Com' Rule
Always remember that 'Cuidado' loves the word 'com'. If you are pointing at a thing, 'com' must be there.
Verbs are different
If you want to say 'Be careful not to...', use 'Cuidado para não' followed by the verb.
15秒了解
- Use it to warn others about immediate physical dangers.
- Combine with 'o' or 'a' depending on the noun's gender.
- Works for both physical objects and abstract social risks.
What It Means
Cuidado com is your go-to safety net in Portuguese. It literally means "care with." In English, we usually say "watch out for" or "be careful with." It is simple, direct, and incredibly common. You will hear it everywhere from busy streets to quiet offices. It is the verbal equivalent of a yellow caution sign.
How To Use It
Using it is a breeze. Just place cuidado com before the thing you are worried about. If the object is masculine, it becomes cuidado com o. If it is feminine, use cuidado com a. For example, cuidado com o degrau means "watch out for the step." It is a phrase that demands immediate attention. You do not need complex grammar to save someone from a puddle!
When To Use It
Use it whenever there is a risk involved. At a restaurant, tell your friend cuidado com o prato quente (careful with the hot plate). If you are walking in Lisbon, a local might shout cuidado com o carro! (watch out for the car!). It also works for abstract things. You might warn a colleague to be cuidado com o que você diz (careful with what you say) in a sensitive meeting.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for general well-being when saying goodbye. In English, we say "take care" as a farewell. In Portuguese, that is se cuida or fique bem. Using cuidado com at the end of a conversation sounds like you are warning them that a piano might fall on their head the moment they leave. Also, avoid it for deep emotional 'caring'—that is usually carinho or cuidar de.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers are generally very protective and expressive. You will hear grandmothers (avós) pepper their speech with cuidado. It reflects a culture that values looking out for one another. In Brazil, you might see signs that say Cuidado com o Cão (Beware of the Dog). It is not just a warning; it is a cultural reflex to ensure everyone stays safe and sound.
Common Variations
If you are in a massive hurry, you can just yell Cuidado! (Watch out!). To make it more personal, you can say Tenha cuidado com... (Have care with...). In some regions, you might hear Toma cuidado, which feels a bit more active. But for 90% of your daily life, the standard cuidado com is your best friend.
使用说明
The phrase is universally understood and safe to use in any setting. Just remember to match the gender and number of the object you are warning about.
The 'Com' Rule
Always remember that 'Cuidado' loves the word 'com'. If you are pointing at a thing, 'com' must be there.
Verbs are different
If you want to say 'Be careful not to...', use 'Cuidado para não' followed by the verb.
Shorten it!
In a real emergency, just yell 'Cuidado!' and point. People will understand.
例句
6Cuidado com o chão molhado!
Watch out for the wet floor!
A very common safety warning in public places.
Cuidado com a pimenta, ela é forte.
Be careful with the pepper, it's strong.
Used here as a culinary warning.
Devemos ter cuidado com os prazos deste projeto.
We should be careful with the deadlines of this project.
Shows the phrase used in a professional, abstract context.
Cuidado com ele, ele não é confiável.
Be careful with him, he is not trustworthy.
Warning a friend about someone's character.
Cuidado com o monstro debaixo da cama!
Watch out for the monster under the bed!
Using the phrase playfully with children.
Por favor, cuidado com o que você fala.
Please, be careful with what you say.
A serious warning about the impact of words.
自我测试
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition and article.
Cuidado ____ escada, ela está quebrada.
'Escada' is a feminine noun, so we use 'com a'.
Which sentence is correct for warning someone not to fall?
Choose the correct option:
Before a verb, we use 'para não' instead of 'com'.
Match the warning to the situation.
1. No metrô. 2. No restaurante. 3. Na rua.
These are the most logical warnings for each specific location.
🎉 得分： /3
视觉学习工具
When to use 'Cuidado com'
Physical
- • Carros
- • Escadas
- • Cachorros
Social
- • Fofocas
- • Pessoas falsas
- • Segredos
Digital
- • Golpes
- • Links
- • Senhas
练习题库
3 练习Cuidado ____ escada, ela está quebrada.
'Escada' is a feminine noun, so we use 'com a'.
Choose the correct option:
Before a verb, we use 'para não' instead of 'com'.
1. No metrô. 2. No restaurante. 3. Na rua.
These are the most logical warnings for each specific location.
🎉 得分： /3
常见问题
10 个问题No, that is a common mistake influenced by Spanish or English. Always use 'com'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
It means 'Mind the gap', specifically the space between a train and the platform.
Usually, we say 'Se cuida' or 'Toma cuidado', rather than just 'Cuidado'.
It's a shorter, more urgent way to say the same thing in informal speech.
Not really. It almost always implies a risk or a negative outcome to be avoided.
The word 'Cuidado' stays singular, but the article after 'com' changes (com os, com as).
It means 'extra care' or 'redoubled care'.
Yes, for example: 'Cuidado com os anexos' (Be careful with the attachments).
No, 'Cuidado' is a masculine noun, but the phrase itself is fixed.
相关表达
Prestar atenção
similarTo pay attention
Ficar de olho
similarTo keep an eye on
Vigiar
specialized formTo watch/guard
Arriscar
contrastTo risk
Zelar por
builds onTo look after/cherish
