care
Definitions
To feel concern or interest about something
在意，关心，介意
To look after someone; to like or be fond of (with 'for')
照料；喜爱（与 for 连用）
Serious attention or caution to avoid mistakes or damage
小心，谨慎
The provision of what is needed to look after someone; protective responsibility
照料，照顾，看护
A feeling of worry or anxiety (often plural)
忧虑，操心（常用复数）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedThe root standing alone, from Old English caru ('sorrow, worry'). Worry about danger became 'caution' (take care); worry about people became 'tending' (care for someone) and 'concern' (I care). All three grew from the same anxious seed.
Root care still carries 5 more wordsWhy It Means This
The word splits cleanly by preposition. care about = to mind, to think it matters (I don't care about money). care for = either look after (a nurse cares for patients) or, more formally, to like (Would you care for some tea?). The noun keeps the old burden sense in 'cares and worries' and the caution sense in 'handle with care.'
Usage Guide
Preposition matters: care about (mind, value) vs care for (look after / like). 'I don't care' = it doesn't matter to me; 'I couldn't care less' = I care zero (note: 'I could care less' is a common AmE slip that logically means the opposite). 'Would you care to...?' is a polite, slightly formal offer.
Example Sentences
- 1.
I don't care what other people think.
- 2.
She cares for her elderly mother at home.
- 3.
Handle the equipment with care.
- 4.
The patient needs round-the-clock care.
- 5.
He left his cares behind for the weekend.
Easily Confused
care vs mind — both can mean 'object/be bothered,' but mind is about tolerating (Do you mind if I sit here?) while care is about valuing (Do you care who wins?). 'I don't mind' = it's fine with me; 'I don't care' = it makes no difference to me (can sound colder).