How to Say ‘Take care.’ in Japanese
気をつけて。
ki o tsuke te
[kee oh tsoo-KEH teh]
💬 Usage Tip: Literally “Be careful.” Common after directions, meaning “Take care / Watch out.” Politer: [気をつけてください。]
🇯🇵 In Japan: In metro areas it can imply practical cautions—crowds, bicycles, crossings, stairs—so it’s both kind and realistic.
Phrase Breakdown
気
ki
[kee]
attention; care (as in 気をつけて)
In 「気をつけて」, 気 means “attention/care.” It’s a casual, friendly warning like “Take care.”
夜は暗いから、気をつけて。
It’s dark at night, so be careful.
を
o
[oh]
object marker (wo)
Marks 気 as the direct object of つける in the set phrase 「気をつける」.
足元を見て、気をつけて歩いてください。
Watch your step and walk carefully, please.
つけ
tsuke
[tsoo-KEH]
attach/apply (stem), used in “be careful”
The verb stem of つける. In 「気をつけて」 it forms the て-form used for advice/warnings.
ホームの端は危ないので、つけて立ってください。
The edge of the platform is dangerous, so please be careful when standing.
て
te
[teh]
te-form ending (do ~ and / please ~)
In 「気をつけて」, て makes it a request/advice: “Be careful.” Often followed by ください for more politeness.
気をつけて行ってください。
Please take care (as you go).
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