A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Watch out" in Spanish
Learn how to say 'watch out' in Spanish with '¡Cuidado!', the essential phrase for warning someone about immediate danger.
¡Cuidado!
kwee-DAH-dohneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase when someone is about to trip, step into traffic, or get hit by an object. It is an urgent exclamation meant to instantly grab someone's attention to prevent an accident. Do not use it for general advice or long-term warnings.
Alternatives
- ¡Ojo!when you want to say 'heads up' or tell someone to pay closer attention to a detail rather than a physical danger
- ¡Aguas!when speaking in Mexico or parts of Central America for a highly colloquial, slangy way to say 'watch out'
- ¡Preste atención!when you formally want to command someone to pay attention to their surroundings before any danger occurs
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'Mirar afuera'
This is a literal translation of 'watch out' that means physically looking out a window, not avoiding danger.
Pronouncing the 'd' too harshly
The 'd' in 'cuidado' should sound soft and breathy, almost like the 'th' in 'this', rather than a hard English 'd'.
A small cultural note
While '¡Cuidado!' works everywhere, regional slang rules emergency responses; you will hear '¡Aguas!' constantly in Mexico, while Spaniards frequently use '¡Ojo!' or '¡Atención!' for similar levels of alertness.
Frequently asked
what is the difference between cuidado and ojo
'¡Cuidado!' is used for imminent physical danger, like a falling object or an oncoming car. '¡Ojo!' translates closer to 'heads up' or 'keep an eye out' and is used for mental alertness or pointing out a detail.
can i say cuidado to mean take care when saying goodbye
No, if you want to tell someone to take care of themselves as a farewell, you should say '¡Cuídate!' or '¡Que te cuides!'. Using '¡Cuidado!' alone sounds like you are warning them of an immediate hazard right next to them.
is cuidado polite enough to use with an old person
Yes, in an emergency situation, the safety of the person matters more than grammar protocols. While the formal verb form is 'cuídese', screaming '¡Cuidado!' is universally understood and accepted across all age groups.
