бережи себе
berezhy sebe
In Ukrainian, the phrase to say "be safe" is бережи себе (berezhy sebe).
The phrase is used to tell someone to take care of themselves when saying goodbye. While it literally means "protect yourself", it is the standard idiomatic way to say "be safe" or "take care" in Ukrainian.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb бережи (protect/guard) and the reflexive pronoun себе (yourself).
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form бережи себе is the singular informal version. To say "be safe" to a group of people or to one person using the polite register, use the form бережіть себе.
How do you pronounce it?
berezhy sebe
Did you know?
- The word берегиня refers to a mythical protective spirit in Slavic folklore who guards the home and family.
- In wartime or high-stress contexts, бережи себе is often shortened to just бережись, which shifts the meaning toward 'beware' or 'watch out'.
- In Ukrainian, the verb берегти used in this phrase is more closely related to the concept of 'preserving' or 'keeping' something precious, like a treasure, than the English 'protect' which often implies a physical shield.
Examples in context
- Будьте обережними і майте гарний деньBe safe and have a nice day
- Будь обережним, братик!Be safe, buddy!
- Бувай, бережи себе!Bye, be safe!
- Бережи себе в дорозі.Berezhi sebe v dorohi.Be safe on the road.
- Будь обережним і бережи себе.Bud' oberezhnoim i berezhi sebe.Be careful and be safe.
- До зустрічі, бережи себе!Do zustrichi, berezhi sebe!Until we meet again, be safe!
Example conversation
Oleksandr and Mariya are saying goodbye at the train station.
- Олександр OleksandrМаріє, мені вже час їхати.Mariye, meni vzhe chas yikhaty.Mariya, it is already time for me to go.
- Марія MariiaДобре, Олександре, бережи себе.Dobre, Oleksandre, berezhi sebe.Okay, Oleksandr, be safe.
- Олександр OleksandrТи теж бережи себе.Ty tezh berezhi sebe.You be safe too.
- Марія MariiaДякую, до зустрічі!Dyakuyu, do zustrichi!Thank you, see you soon!
