pas goed op jezelf
The English phrase 'stay safe' can be translated into Dutch as pas goed op jezelf.
The phrase is used to wish someone well and encourage them to take care of themselves. It is a common way to close letters or emails, and it is frequently used when saying goodbye to friends and family to express genuine concern for their well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, pas goed op jezelf means 'take good care of yourself'.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish this from the shorter phrase pas op!, which means 'watch out' or 'be careful'. While pas goed op jezelf is a warm wish for well-being, pas op! is a warning used to tell someone to watch out for immediate danger.
How does it change in a sentence?
To adapt the phrase for formal contexts, change the reflexive pronoun jezelf to uzelf to create pas goed op uzelf.
Did you know?
- Adding the word wel to create pas wel goed op jezelf can subtly shift the tone from a warm wish to a sense of urgent or anxious concern.
- The verb pas in this context shares its roots with the English word 'pass', both descending from the Latin 'passus', meaning 'a step'.
- While English uses 'stay' to imply a continuous state of safety, Dutch uses the verb pas which focuses on the active intention of guarding or watching over oneself.
Examples in context
- Hé, pas goed op jezelf, hè?Hey, take good care of yourself, okay?
- Pas goed op jezelf in de regen.Take good care of yourself in the rain.
- Het is koud buiten, pas goed op jezelf.It is cold outside, stay safe.
- Pas goed op jezelf tijdens je reis.Take good care of yourself during your trip.
Example conversation
Julia is saying goodbye to Noah as he leaves for a hiking trip.
- JuliaVeel plezier met wandelen, Noah!Have fun hiking, Noah!
- NoahDank je wel, Julia.Thank you, Julia.
- JuliaPas goed op jezelf daar in de bergen.Stay safe out there in the mountains.
- NoahDat zal ik doen, tot snel!I will, see you soon!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries goed, op, pas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
