Spanish word

precaución

Pronunciation

IPA/pɾekawˈθjon/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncaution

Example

Ten precaución al cruzar la calle.

Take caution when crossing the street.

Illustration for precaución (caution)

More examples

Camina con precaución por las escaleras húmedas.

Walk with caution on the wet stairs.

Core concept

Person pausing at a crosswalk.

Common phrases

  • tener precaución

    exercise caution

  • andar con precaución

    walk with caution

  • actuar con precaución

    act with caution

Similar words

cuidado: Immediate vigilance toward nearby dangers and swift corrective action.
atención: Close mental focus on speech or events to pick up small but important points.
cautela: Prudent, conservative behavior that avoids taking chances.

Definition in Spanish

Cuidado y atención aplicados para reducir riesgos o evitar errores antes de decidir o actuar.

Word origin

From Latin praecautio, formed from prae- 'before' and cautio 'warning', meaning a forewarning to avoid danger.

Usage tips

  • Commonly used in phrases like tener precaución or actuar con precaución, while short spoken warnings normally use ¡Cuidado!

Other meanings

  • precautionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • precavidocautiousadjective

Word lists with this word