How to Say ‘Take care of yourself.’ in Japanese
お大事にどうぞ。
o daiji ni douzo
[oh DIE-jee nee doh-zoh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Pharmacy and clinic staff say this to anyone unwell as they leave. A simple ありがとうございます "thank you" is the natural reply.
Phrase Breakdown
お大事に
o daiji ni
take care
Said to someone who is sick: 'take care of yourself'. Pronounced 'odaiji ni'.
風邪ですか。お大事に。
A cold? Take care.
Words in this phrase
お
o
[oh]
honorific/polite prefix
A polite prefix that makes the expression sound more respectful.
ていねいに言うために、おをつけます。
To say it politely, you add o.
大事
daiji
[DIE-jee]
care; importance
Means 'important' or 'precious'; in お大事に it expresses taking good care of one's health.
体を大事にしてください。
Please take care of your body.
に
ni
[nee]
(adverbial particle; -ly)
Turns a na-adjective into an adverb describing how something is done.
静かに歩いてください。
Please walk quietly.
どうぞ。
douzo
please (polite add-on)
Adds politeness. Pharmacy and hospital staff often add it to お大事に.
こちらへどうぞ。
This way, please.
Words in this phrase
どうぞ
douzo
[doh-zoh]
please / go ahead
A polite word used when inviting someone to do something freely.
どうぞ、なかへはいってください。
Please, go on inside.
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