cuidar
/kui̯ˈdaɾ/
Definition
To take care of someone or something; to look after and attend to their needs.
Example
Ela cuida dos filhos com muito amor.
Show translation
She takes care of her children with a lot of love.
Etymology
From Latin *cogitāre* ("to think, to consider"), via Old Portuguese *coidar* / *cuidar*, which evolved the sense of "to give thought to" → "to attend to" → "to take care of." The shift from mental attention to physical caregiving is a common semantic drift seen across Romance languages.
Cultural note
In Brazilian and European Portuguese culture, *cuidar* carries a warm emotional weight beyond mere task-completion — it implies devotion and emotional presence. The phrase *"cuida-se!"* (literally "take care of yourself!") is a common, affectionate farewell. Be careful not to confuse *cuidar de* (to care *for* someone) with *tomar cuidado* (to be careful / watch out), which uses the noun *cuidado* instead.