Look after Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫʊk/ /ˈæftɝ
LUUK AF-ter
lˈʊk/ /ˈɑːftɐ
LUUK AHF-tuh
Definition
To take care of someone or something, making sure they are safe and well.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both British and international English; mostly informal. Used for children, pets, or things ("look after the kids", "look after my bag"). Not the same as 'look for' (search) or 'look at' (see). In American English, 'take care of' is more common.
Spanish: cuidar de - encargarse dePortuguese (BR): cuidar de - tomar conta dePortuguese (PT): tomar conta de - cuidar deChinese (Simplified): 照顾 - 照看Chinese (Traditional): 照顧 - 照看Hindi: देखभाल करनाArabic: يعتني بـ - يهتم بـBengali: দেখাশোনা করা - যত্ন নেওয়াRussian: присматривать - заботитьсяJapanese: 世話をするVietnamese: chăm sóc - trông nomKorean: 돌보다Turkish: ilgilenmek - bakmakUrdu: دیکھ بھال کرناIndonesian: mengurus - menjaga
Example Sentences
Can you look after my dog while I'm away?
basic
She looks after her little brother every afternoon.
basic
Please look after these flowers.
basic
I have to look after my friend's cat this weekend.
natural
Who will look after the house when they're gone?
natural
He promised to look after everything while we're on vacation.
natural