שמור על עצמך
shmor al atzmecha
The Hebrew phrase for 'stay safe' is שמור על עצמך (shmor al atzmecha).
This phrase is used to wish someone well and express a desire for them to remain out of danger. While it translates to 'stay safe,' in Hebrew it is the standard way to say 'take care' when saying goodbye to someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression שמור על עצמך literally means 'guard/watch over yourself.'
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on who you are addressing. The default form שמור על עצמך is specifically addressed to a male listener. To say 'stay safe' to a woman, use the feminine form שמרי על עצמך. To say 'stay safe' to a group of people, use the plural form שמרו על עצמכם.
How do you pronounce it?
shmor al atzmecha
Did you know?
- The root שמר used in שמור על עצמך is the same root used for the word 'observation' or 'keeping' a tradition, such as שמירת שבת for keeping the Sabbath.
- The word שמור is also used on signs to mean 'keep out' or 'caution', as in שמור meaning 'caution' when entering a dangerous area.
- In Hebrew, the concept of 'safety' is often expressed through the root שמר (to guard) rather than just בטוח (to be secure), emphasizing active vigilance over a state of being.
Examples in context
- שמור על עצמך.Stay safe.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase שמור על עצמך.Tatoeba #1477851 by MrShoval, translation #9776881 by CK
- שמור על עצמך בטיול.shmor al atzmekha ba'tiyul.Stay safe on the trip.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
