いつもお元気で
itsumo ogenki de
To say "take care always" in Japanese, use いつもお元気で (itsumo ogenki de).
いつもお元気で is a warm parting wish used to tell someone to remain healthy and well in the future. It is typically used when you are parting from someone for a long period of time, such as in a letter or when someone is moving away.
What does it mean word for word?
いつも (itsumo) means "always" or "usually", while お元気で (ogenki de) is a polite way to say "be well" or "stay healthy".
Which one should you use?
While いつもお元気で is a heartfelt and polite expression, you can use the more casual 元気でね when speaking with friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase お元気で, the で at the end is a particle that functions to create a soft, elliptical command or wish, implying "please stay well".
How do you pronounce it?
itsumo ogenki de
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying お元気でください. Although English speakers often mistakenly add kudasai (please) to the end, お元気で is already a complete and polite parting expression.
Did you know?
- While 元気 (genki) means 'health', its kanji characters literally translate to 'original energy' or 'source spirit'. It implies a state of being mentally and physically vibrant rather than just the absence of illness.
- Using お元気で can sometimes signal a permanent or very long-term goodbye. If used during a brief separation, it might mistakenly imply to the listener that you do not expect to see them again for years.
- In Japanese, wishing someone health is often paired with a bow. The depth and duration of the bow communicate the intensity of the wish for the other person's continued wellbeing.
Examples in context
- これからも、いつもお元気で。Kore kara mo, itsumo o genki de.Please stay healthy and well from now on.
- 離れていても、いつもお元気で。Hanarete ite mo, itsumo o genki de.Even though we are apart, please take care always.
- おばあちゃん、いつもお元気で。Obaachan, itsumo o genki de.Grandma, please stay healthy and well always.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are saying goodbye at the airport.
- 蓮 Renいよいよ出発だね。iyoiyo shuppatsu da ne.It's finally time to leave.
- 結衣 Yuiうん、寂しくなるね。un, sabishiku naru ne.Yeah, I'll miss you.
- 蓮 Ren体に気をつけて。いつもお元気で。karada ni ki o tsukete. itsumo ogenki de.Take care of yourself. Take care always.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう。蓮くんもね。arigatou. ren-kun mo ne.Thank you. You too, Ren.
