How to Say ‘Take care.’ in Japanese
気をつけて。
ki o tsuke te
[kee o tsoo-KEH teh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Locals often say this when parting after helping you. A small bow and ありがとうございます is a natural reply.
Phrase Breakdown
気
ki
[kee]
care; attention
A word meaning attention or caution, often used in safety expressions.
気をつけてください。
Please be careful.
を
o
[o]
direct object marker
Used to mark the direct object of a verb.
本を読みます。
I read a book.
つけ
tsuke
[tsoo-KEH]
to pay (attention); to apply
Stem of つける; with 気を it means to pay attention, i.e. be careful.
車に気をつけてください。
Please watch out for cars.
て
te
[teh]
te-form ending
The て ending attaches to a verb stem to make the て-form. It links clauses and is used in many patterns (requests, permission, progress, etc.).
ここに座っていいです。
You may sit here.
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