気をつけて
ki o tsukete
In Japanese, the phrase for "be safe" is 気をつけて (ki o tsukete).
気をつけて is used to tell someone to be careful and avoid danger, such as when they are leaving or traveling. While it functions as a way to say "be safe," it is also the standard way to say "be careful" if someone is about to trip, cross a street or handle something dangerous.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, it means to "pay attention to your spirit/mind."
How do you pronounce it?
ki o tsukete
Did you know?
- The word 気 in this phrase refers to 'ki', a vital energy or life force that flows through the body in traditional East Asian medicine.
- Because it includes the word for 'spirit' or 'mind', using it too aggressively can sound like you are telling someone to watch their attitude rather than their physical safety.
- While 気をつけて is used for safety, Japanese has a different phrase for 'be careful' when referring to being cautious about a social mistake or a secret.
Examples in context
- 気をつけてね。マスクするんだよ。Be safe and wear a mask.This sentence is useful for practicing the form 気をつけて.Tatoeba #9149558 by small_snow, translation #9149549 by CK
- 道が滑りやすいから、気をつけて。Michi ga suberiyasui kara, ki o tsukete.The road is slippery, so be safe.
- 一人で帰る時は、気をつけてね。Hitori de kaeru toki wa, ki o tsukete ne.Be safe when you go home alone.
Example conversation
Yui is seeing Ren off at the train station before his trip.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くん、旅行、楽しんできてね。Ren-kun, ryokou, tanoshinde kite ne.Ren, have a fun trip.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、結衣。行ってくるね。Arigatou, Yui. Ittekuru ne.Thanks, Yui. I'm off.
- 結衣 Yui向こうでも、気をつけて。Mukou demo, ki o tsukete.Be safe while you are over there, too.
- 蓮 Renうん、わかったよ。Un, wakatta yo.Yeah, I got it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
