気をつけて
ki o tsukete
The Japanese phrase for stay 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, often when they are leaving or traveling. It functions both as a warning to avoid immediate danger and as a parting wish for someone's well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ki (spirit/mind/attention), o (the object marker) and tsukete (the te-form of tsukeru, meaning to attach or fix). Literally, it means to pay attention to or be careful with one's spirit or mind.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 気をつけて is informal and can mean take care. To make the phrase a polite request suitable for use with strangers, superiors or in formal settings, you can say 気をつけてください. For a softer, more friendly tone used with friends or family, you can add the particle ne to say 気をつけてね.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the te-form of the verb, which in this context functions as a soft imperative or a request.
How do you pronounce it?
ki o tsukete
Did you know?
- In high-stress or emergency situations, the phrase changes to 気をつけろ (ki o tsukero). This is a forceful command and would sound aggressive or angry if used in a normal conversation.
- The word 気 in 気をつけて is the same character used in 元気 (genki), which means 'healthy'. This shows a cultural belief that physical health is linked to 'spirit energy'.
- In a professional setting, a subordinate will add the honorific prefix 'o' to create お気をつけて when speaking to a boss. The boss would likely avoid this version to prevent sounding too pleading.
Examples in context
- 一人で帰る時は、気をつけて。Hitori de kaeru toki wa, ki o tsukete.Be careful when you go home alone.
- 夜道は暗いから、気をつけてね。Yomichi wa kurai kara, ki o tsukete ne.The road is dark at night, so stay safe.
- 旅行中、体に気をつけて。Ryokochu, karada ni ki o tsukete.Stay safe and take care of yourself during your trip.
Example conversation
Hiroto is seeing Misaki off at the train station before her trip.
- 大翔 Hiroto旅行、楽しんできてね。Ryoko, tanoshinde kite ne.Have a fun trip.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう。気をつけて行くね。Arigato. Ki o tsukete iku ne.Thank you. I will be careful.
- 大翔 Hiroto道中、気をつけてね。Dochu, ki o tsukete ne.Stay safe on your journey.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、また連絡するね。Un, mata renraku suru ne.Yeah, I'll contact you again.
