תשמור על עצמך
tishmor al atzmecha
The English phrase "be safe" is translated into Hebrew as תשמור על עצמך (tishmor al atzmecha).
This phrase is used to tell someone to take care of themselves as a way of saying goodbye.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "guard/watch over yourself".
Which one should you use?
The form you use depends on who you are talking to. Use תשמור על עצמך (tishmor al atzmecha) when speaking to a man, and תשמרי על עצמך (tishmari al atzmech) when speaking to a woman.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is תשמור על עצמך. To address a woman, use the feminine singular form תשמרי על עצמך. To address a group of people, use the plural form תשמרו על עצמכם.
How do you pronounce it?
tishmor al atzmecha
Did you know?
- While תשמור על עצמך means 'be safe', the same verb שמר is used in Hebrew to describe the act of saving a digital file on a computer.
- The root of תשמור is the same one used for the 'Shabbat' or 'Sabbath' in the sense of keeping or observing the day.
- Hebrew uses the same verb שמר for both 'guarding a person' and 'keeping a secret'.
Examples in context
- תִּשְׁמוֹר עַל עַצְמֵךְTake care of yourself
- תשמור על עצמך בנסיעה.tishmor al atzmecha ba-nesia.Be safe on the trip.
- תשמור על עצמך בלילה.tishmor al atzmecha ba-layla.Be safe tonight.
Example conversation
Noam is leaving for a long hike and saying goodbye to Noa.
- נועם Noamאני יוצא לטיול במדבר.ani yotze la-tiul ba-midbar.I am going on a hike in the desert.
- נועה Noaתשמור על עצמך, נועם.tishmor al atzmecha, Noam.Be safe, Noam.
- נועם Noamאני אהיה בסדר, אל תדאגי.ani eheye beseder, al tid'agi.I will be fine, don't worry.
- נועה Noaתחזור מהר.tachzor mahar.Come back soon.
