береги себя
beregi sebya
In Russian, "stay safe" is expressed as береги себя (beregi sebya).
This is a warm parting phrase used to tell someone to take care of themselves and avoid danger.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb береги (protect/guard) and the reflexive pronoun себя (yourself).
Which one should you use?
While береги себя is used for a single friend or family member, берегите себя is the required form for a crowd or a person of higher status.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form береги себя is used only when addressing one person whom you know well or treat informally (the ты form). To use this phrase with a group of people or to show formal respect to one person, you must use the plural/formal imperative form берегите себя.
How do you pronounce it?
beregi sebya
Did you know?
- The verb береги comes from the same root as the word for 'shore' or 'bank' берег. It originally implied guarding a boundary or keeping something from flowing away.
- While English speakers use 'take care' as a casual filler, береги себя can feel emotionally heavy and deeply sincere. Using it in a casual setting might make the listener feel there is a genuine crisis or a very meaningful parting.
- The word беречь in this phrase is the same term used for 'conserving' natural resources like water or energy. This highlights the idea of treating the person as a precious resource to be saved from wear and tear.
Examples in context
- Оставайтесь в безопасности и будьте здоровы!Stay safe and be healthy!
- Берегите себя, дорогие друзья!Take care of yourselves, dear friends!
- Береги себя в этой поездке.Beregi sebya v etoy poyezdke.Stay safe during this trip.
- Пожалуйста, береги себя.Pozhaluysta, beregi sebya.Please, stay safe.
- Береги себя, скоро увидимся.Beregi sebya, skoro uvidimsya.Stay safe, see you soon.
Example conversation
Alexander is saying goodbye to Olga as she leaves for a long journey.
- Александр AleksandrУдачи в пути, Ольга.Udachi v puti, Olga.Good luck on your journey, Olga.
- Ольга OlgaСпасибо, Александр.Spasibo, Aleksandr.Thank you, Alexander.
- Александр AleksandrБереги себя.Beregi sebya.Stay safe.
- Ольга OlgaИ ты тоже.I ty tozhe.You too.
