Spanish Phrase
Compara los precios con cuidado.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to compare the prices carefully, emphasizing the need for a thorough check before making a purchase or decision.
When to use
Use this phrase while shopping in a market, browsing online stores, negotiating a deal, or when you’re budgeting and need to ensure you’re getting the best value.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Comparalospreciosconcuidado
Imperative Mood
‘Compara’ is the tú‑imperative form of the verb ‘comparar’, used to give a direct command or suggestion.
Direct Object + Definite Article
‘los precios’ is the plural direct object, preceded by the definite article ‘los’ to refer to specific prices.
Prepositional Phrase
‘con cuidado’ means ‘carefully’; the preposition ‘con’ links the adverbial noun ‘cuidado’ to the verb.
🗨In Conversation
¿Has visto la oferta del televisor?
Have you seen the TV deal?
Sí, pero compara los precios con cuidado antes de comprar.
Yes, but compare the prices carefully before buying.
✕Common Mistakes
Compara los precios con cuidar.
‘Cuidar’ is a verb meaning ‘to take care of’; the noun ‘cuidado’ is needed after ‘con’ to express ‘carefully’.
Compara los precios con cuidado.
Do not place a period after ‘cuidado’ inside the phrase; the whole sentence ends with a period.
Compara los precios con cuidado.
If you’re speaking formally, use the usted‑imperative ‘Compare’ instead of ‘Compara’.
↔Alternatives
Revisa los precios con atención.
Check the prices with attention.
Analiza los precios detenidamente.
Analyze the prices thoroughly.
Verifica los precios antes de decidir.
Verify the prices before deciding.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, especially in markets and street stalls, price comparison is a social activity. It’s polite to ask questions and show interest, but avoid sounding overly critical. Using the imperative ‘Compara…’ is friendly when speaking to a peer (tú form); with strangers or elders, switch to the formal ‘Compare los precios con cuidado.’