If you’ve ever typed “how do you spell take care in Spanish” into a search bar, you are likely looking for more than just a direct translation. On the flip side, Spanish is a rich language with regional variations, different levels of formality, and several related expressions that can change depending on whether you are saying goodbye to a close friend, a coworker, or a stranger. Even so, the most common way to say “take care” in Spanish is cuídate when speaking informally to one person, and cuídese when speaking formally or to someone you address as usted. Understanding how to spell and use these phrases correctly will help you sound more natural and show respect for the cultural nuances embedded in everyday Spanish conversation.
The Short Answer: How to Spell “Take Care” in Spanish
The standard spelling for “take care” in an informal, singular context is cuídate. Think about it: if you need to be formal or respectful—such as when speaking to a teacher, a boss, an elder, or a stranger—the correct spelling is cuídese. Both words come from the reflexive verb cuidarse, which means “to take care of oneself.
Here is the breakdown:
- cuídate – informal, used with tú (you, singular, familiar)
- cuídese – formal, used with usted (you, singular, formal)
Notice the accent mark over the í in both words. That said, that accent is not optional; it indicates where the stress falls when you pronounce the word. Writing it as cuidate or cuidese without the accent is considered a spelling error in standard Spanish It's one of those things that adds up..
Informal vs. Formal: Knowing Which One to Use
Spanish makes a clear distinction between informal and formal address, and that choice affects how you spell and say “take care.”
Use cuídate with:
- Friends
- Family members
- Children
- Classmates
- Pets
- Anyone you would call by their first name in a casual setting
Example: “¡Nos vemos mañana! Cuídate.” (See you tomorrow! Take care.)
Use cuídese with:
- Supervisors or professors
- Doctors or service professionals
- Older adults you do not know well
- Strangers in formal settings
- Anyone you address as usted to show respect
Example: “Fue un gusto hablar con usted. Cuídese.” (It was a pleasure speaking with you. Take care.)
If you are addressing a group of people, Spanish uses the plural forms cuídense (informal, used in Spain with vosotros) or cuídense (formal or standard Latin American plural with ustedes). In most Latin American countries, ustedes covers both formal and informal groups, so cuídense is the safe, widely understood choice when saying “take care” to more than one person.
Other Ways to Say “Take Care” in Spanish
While cuídate and cuídese are the most direct equivalents, Spanish speakers often use variations to add warmth, emphasis, or a slightly different meaning.
Cuídate mucho
This literally means “take care a lot” or “take very good care of yourself.” It is affectionate and commonly used between close friends, romantic partners, or family members Which is the point..
Que te cuides
This phrase means “may you take care of yourself” or “I hope you take care.” It is softer and more wishful than a direct command. You will often hear it at the end of a conversation when someone wants to express genuine concern.
Tenga cuidado
Be careful not to confuse this with “take care” as a farewell. Tenga cuidado means “be careful” or “watch out
