prends soin de toi
In French, the phrase for 'stay safe' is expressed as prends soin de toi.
This is a warm parting phrase used to tell someone to look after themselves.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase prends soin de toi literally translates to 'take care of yourself'.
Which one should you use?
prends soin de toi is the informal version used with friends and family. For a formal way to wish someone stays safe, you can use Soyez prudent(e), which means 'Be careful'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a single person formally or multiple people, use the form prenez soin de vous.
Did you know?
- The word soin shares a common ancestor with the English word 'sooth' through a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'truth' or 'responsibility'.
- Depending on the tone, prenez soin de vous can occasionally signal a final goodbye when the speaker does not expect to see the person again for a long time.
- Using Soyez prudent can sometimes sound like a warning of immediate danger, whereas prenez soin de vous is viewed as a general wish for long-term well-being.
Examples in context
- Prends soin de toi pendant ton voyage.Take care of yourself during your trip.
- N'oublie pas de bien dormir, prends soin de toi.Don't forget to sleep well, take care of yourself.
- Allez, rentre bien et prends soin de toi.Anyway, get home safely and take care of yourself.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are saying goodbye at a train station.
- LucasBon voyage, Léa !Have a good trip, Léa!
- LéaMerci, Lucas. À bientôt !Thank you, Lucas. See you soon!
- LucasPrends soin de toi là-bas.Take care of yourself over there.
- LéaToi aussi, prends soin de toi !You too, take care of yourself!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, soin, toi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
