مراقب باش
moraqeb bash
The English phrase "be careful" is translated into Persian as مراقب باش (moraqeb bash).
مراقب باش is a warning used to tell someone to avoid danger or be cautious.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun مراقب, meaning observer or watcher and the imperative form of the verb باش, which means "be".
Which one should you use?
While مراقب باش is a common way to express this, you can also use احتیاط کن, which means "be cautious" or "take care" and is composed of a noun for "caution" and the verb "to do".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
مراقب باش is the informal version used with friends, family or children. For a more polite tone, or when addressing more than one person, you should use the formal version مراقب باشید.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase polite or plural, change the verb باش to the formal imperative باشید, resulting in مراقب باشید.
How do you pronounce it?
moraqeb bash
Did you know?
- In very casual speech, Iranians might shorten warnings or use complementary phrases like حواست باشه, which literally tells the listener to 'keep their attention' in place.
- The verb باش is a descendant of a much older form that linguists believe was originally a second person optative, expressing a wish or hope.
- Persian has several ways to say 'be careful' depending on whether the danger is physical, social or a mistake in a task, moving beyond a single translation.
Examples in context
- مراقب باش.Be careful.This sentence shows how to use مراقب باش as a standalone warning.Tatoeba #5481723 by Hussein64, translation #1849392 by CK
- علی، روی پل مراقب باشAli, be careful on the bridge.
Example conversation
Ali is watching Zahra walk across a busy street.
- علی Aliزهرا، مراقب باش!Zahra, moragheb bash!Zahra, be careful!
- زهرا Zahraچی شده؟Chi shode?What happened?
- علی Aliیک ماشین دارد میآید.Yek mashin darad mi-ayad.A car is coming.
- زهرا Zahraممنون که گفتی، علی.Mamnoon ke gofti, Ali.Thanks for telling me, Ali.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries باش, مراقب, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
