čuvaj se
The Serbian phrase for 'take care' is čuvaj se.
While this can be used as a literal command to be careful, it is most commonly used as a warm way to say goodbye to someone you care about.
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?
čuvaj se is the singular imperative form used with friends, family or children.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use čuvajte se instead of čuvaj se when addressing more than one person or when using the formal 'you'.
Did you know?
- The reflexive pronoun se in čuvaj se is a linguistic fossil that traces its roots back to the same Proto-Indo-European origins as the English word 'self'.
- Depending on the region, speakers might pair čuvaj se with a kiss on both cheeks, a common social gesture in the Balkans.
- While čuvaj se is a warm goodbye, the same verb čuvati is used for 'saving' money or 'keeping' an object for later.
Examples in context
- Čuvaj se!Take care!This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase čuvaj se.Tatoeba #5003532 by Lebad, translation #324861 by CK
- Čuvaj se i vidimo se uskoro!Take care, and see you soon!
- Pazite se i srećan put!Take care and have a safe journey!
- Čuvaj se na putu.Take care on the way.
- Čuvaj se i uživaj u odmoru.Take care and enjoy your vacation.
Example conversation
Nikola is leaving Jelena's house after a visit.
- JelenaDrago mi je što smo se videli.I'm glad we saw each other.
- NikolaI meni, vidimo se uskoro.Me too, see you soon.
- JelenaČuvaj se, Nikola!Take care, Nikola!
- NikolaHvala, i ti čuvaj se!Thanks, you take care too!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
