береги себя
beregi sebya
The English phrase "be safe" is translated into Russian as береги себя (beregi sebya).
This phrase is commonly used as a warm parting wish, similar to "take care" in English, rather than a literal command to avoid danger.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb береги (protect/guard) and the reflexive pronoun себя (yourself).
Which one should you use?
The default form береги себя is informal and should only be used with friends, family or people you know well, while the form Берегите себя is used when addressing a group of people or when you need to show formal respect to one person.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this phrase with a group of people or to show formal respect to one person, use the form берегите себя.
How do you pronounce it?
beregi sebya
Did you know?
- If you use the formal version Берегите себя with a close friend, it can actually sound jokingly dramatic or sarcastically stiff, as if you are treating them like a stranger or a dignitary.
- The verb береги is the same one used when telling someone to 'guard' or 'protect' something valuable, like a treasure or a secret.
- In Russia, this phrase is often used in letters or messages as a poignant way to say goodbye when the speakers expect a long period of separation.
Examples in context
- Будь осторожен на дороге и возвращайся целымBe careful on the road and come back safely.
- Береги себя в этой поездке.Beregi sebya v etoy poyezdke.Be safe on this trip.
- Просто береги себя, хорошо?Prosto beregi sebya, khorosho?Just be safe, okay?
- Пока, береги себя!Poka, beregi sebya!Bye, be safe!
Example conversation
Alexander and Anastasia are saying goodbye at the train station.
- Александр AleksandrАнастасия, мне пора уходить.Anastasiya, mne pora ukhodit'.Anastasia, it is time for me to go.
- Анастасия AnastasiaХорошо, Александр. Береги себя.Khorosho, Aleksandr. Beregi sebya.Okay, Alexander. Be safe.
- Александр AleksandrТы тоже береги себя.Ty tozhe beregi sebya.You be safe too.
- Анастасия AnastasiaСпасибо, до свидания!Spasibo, do svidaniya!Thanks, goodbye!
