čuvaj se
The English phrase "take care" can be translated into Croatian as čuvaj se.
This phrase is used as an interjection when saying goodbye.
Meaning: good-bye (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase čuvaj se literally means "guard yourself" or "watch yourself".
Which one should you use?
The form čuvaj se is the singular version, while čuvajte se is the plural or formal version.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing more than one person, or when using the formal "you", use the form čuvajte se instead of čuvaj se.
Did you know?
- In some regions of Croatia, čuvaj se can be used as a stern warning to stay away from danger or a specific person, rather than a friendly goodbye.
- The verb čuvati is used when someone is 'babysitting' a child, which literally translates to 'guarding' the child.
- While čuvaj se is used for 'take care', the root word čuvati also means 'to keep' or 'to save', like keeping a secret or saving a seat.
Examples in context
- Pazite se! Vidimo se sutra.Take care! See you tomorrow.
- Čuvaj se! Javi mi se kad stigneš kući.Take care! Let me know when you get home.
- Čuvaj se.Take care.
- Čuvaj se na putu.Take care on the road.
- Vidimo se uskoro, čuvaj se!See you soon, take care!
Example conversation
Petra and Ivan are parting ways after a coffee meeting.
- PetraDrago mi je što smo se vidjeli.I am glad we saw each other.
- IvanI meni isto. Čuvaj se, Petra.Me too. Take care, Petra.
- PetraHvala, i ti se čuvaj, Ivane.Thanks, you take care too, Ivan.
- IvanDoviđenja!Goodbye!
