काळजी घ्या
kaalji ghya
The English phrase 'take care' is translated into Marathi as काळजी घ्या (kaalji ghya).
This phrase is used to express concern for someone's well-being when saying goodbye.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of काळजी (kaalji) meaning 'care' and घ्या (ghya) which is the polite imperative form of the verb 'to take'.
Which one should you use?
The form काळजी घ्या is the polite version, while काळजी घे is used when speaking to someone younger, a close friend or someone of lower social status.
How do you pronounce it?
kaalji ghya
Did you know?
- The word काळजी is a doublet of काळीज, which means 'heart' or 'liver', suggesting that caring comes from the body's emotional core.
- In many Marathi-speaking households, people often skip the literal 'take care' phrase and instead express the same sentiment by asking if you have eaten or how your health is. This indirect way of showing concern is a common cultural nuance.
- If you use the informal version काळजी घे with an elder or a stranger, it is not merely a casual slip but can be perceived as a significant social insult. The social hierarchy of the language makes the distinction between the polite and informal forms extremely high-stakes.
Examples in context
- पुन्हा भेटू, काळजी घ्या.Punhā bheṭū, kāḷjī ghyā.See you again, take care.
Example conversation
Sneha and Rahul are saying goodbye after a meeting.
- राहुल Rahulमी निघतो आता, भेटूया लवकर.Mī nighato ātā, bhēṭūyā lavkar.I am leaving now, see you soon.
- स्नेहा Snehaहो, काळजी घ्या, राहुल.Ho, kāḷajī ghyā, Rāhul.Yes, take care, Rahul.
- राहुल Rahulधन्यवाद, तू पण काळजी घ्या.Dhanyavād, tū paṇ kāḷajī ghyā.Thank you, you take care too.
- स्नेहा Snehaठीक आहे, बाय!Ṭhīk āhē, bāy!Okay, bye!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries काळजी, CC BY-SA 4.0.
