The subjuntivo presente of Cuidar is used to express wishes, desires, or uncertainty about caring for something or someone, for example: Espero que cuides bien de tu hermano menor. (I hope you take good care of your younger brother.)

Cuidar is a regular -ar verb, so its present subjunctive conjugations follow the typical pattern for this verb type.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Cuidar (to take care of) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Castilian Spanish):

Cuidar generally means “to take care of” or “to look after”, but has several different meanings in the Subjunctive Mood, some of which might surprise you.

To take care of or look after: for example, Es importante que cuides a tus hermanos menores mientras tus padres no están. (It’s important that you take care of your younger siblings while your parents are away.)

To be careful or cautious: for example, Cuida que no te caigas al bajar las escaleras. (Be careful not to fall when going down the stairs.)

To protect or safeguard: for example, Es necesario que cuidemos nuestro medio ambiente para las generaciones futuras. (It’s necessary that we protect our environment for future generations.)

To watch over or keep an eye on: for example, Cuida que el perro no se escape del patio. (Watch that the dog doesn’t escape from the yard.)

To pay attention to or mind: for example, Cuida que no se te olvide llevar tu almuerzo a la escuela. (Mind that you don’t forget to bring your lunch to school.)

To groom or maintain: for example, Es importante que cuides tu apariencia para la entrevista de trabajo. (It’s important that you groom your appearance for the job interview.)

To nurse or tend to (when sick): for example, Necesito que cuides a tu abuela mientras está enferma. (I need you to nurse your grandmother while she’s sick.)

To watch one’s language (colloquial): for example, ¡Cuida tu boca cuando hables con los mayores! (Watch your mouth when you talk to your elders!)

Examples

Examples of Cuidar in the Subjunctive Mood

Es importante que cuides tu salud. (It’s important that you take care of your health.)

Mamá quiere que cuidemos la casa mientras ella está fuera. (Mom wants us to take care of the house while she’s away.)

El médico recomienda que cuides tu dieta para bajar de peso. (The doctor recommends that you watch your diet to lose weight.)

Ojalá que cuiden bien a los niños en la guardería. (I hope they take good care of the children at the daycare.)

Es necesario que cuides tus finanzas para ahorrar para el futuro. (It’s necessary that you manage your finances to save for the future.)

Mis padres insisten en que cuide mi apartamento limpio y ordenado. (My parents insist that I keep my apartment clean and tidy.)

El entrenador nos dijo que cuidemos nuestra alimentación antes del partido. (The coach told us to watch our diet before the game.)

Aunque estés ocupado, es vital que cuides tu salud mental. (Even if you’re busy, it’s vital that you take care of your mental health.)

Los expertos recomiendan que cuidéis el medio ambiente reduciendo el uso de plásticos. (Experts recommend that you take care of the environment by reducing plastic use.)

Espero que cuiden bien a mi mascota mientras estoy de viaje. (I hope they take good care of my pet while I’m traveling.)

Es fundamental que cuides tus relaciones personales y profesionales. (It’s essential that you nurture your personal and professional relationships.)

Mis amigos quieren que cuide mi auto para que dure muchos años. (My friends want me to take care of my car so it lasts many years.)

El jefe nos pidió que cuidemos los detalles en el proyecto. (The boss asked us to take care of the details in the project.)

Aunque sea difícil, es mejor que cuides tu privacidad en línea. (Even though it’s difficult, it’s better that you protect your online privacy.)

Los abuelos esperan que cuidemos las tradiciones familiares. (The grandparents hope that we preserve the family traditions.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Cuidar (to take care of) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Subjunctive mood is also known as the Simple Subjunctive, Subjunctive Present, or Present Subjunctive Mood in English, and as Presente de Subjuntivo, Subjuntivo Presente, Presente del Modo Subjuntivo, or Tiempo Presente del Subjuntivo in Spanish.