Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kendine iyi bak | /cendine iji bak/ (from spelling rules) | addressee singular, informal |
| kendinize iyi bakın | /cendinize iji bakɯn/ (from spelling rules) |
While it literally means "look after yourself," it is most commonly used as a warm parting phrase similar to "take care" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase kendine iyi bak is composed of kendine (to yourself), iyi (well/good) and bak (look/take care).
Which one should you use?
Use kendine iyi bak for a single person in an informal setting. Use kendinize iyi bakın when you are speaking to more than one person or when you want to use the formal "you" to show respect.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
kendine iyi bak is an informal way to say goodbye to friends, family or people younger than you. Using it with a stranger or a superior can seem overly familiar or rude. For formal situations or when addressing a group, use kendinize iyi bakın.
How do you pronounce it?
The /c/ is like the s in [s]kew, the /n/ is like the n in [n]ot, the /i/ is like the ee in cr[ee]k, the /j/ is like the y in [y]es, the /b/ is like the b in a[b]out and the /k/ is like the c in [c]ore.
Did you know?
- The word iyi meaning 'good' is distantly related to the Mongolian word ed meaning 'thing' or 'property'.
- While kendine iyi bak is a warm goodbye, using it with a superior in Turkey can be perceived as condescending because it implies you are in a position to advise them on their well-being.
- In some contexts, saying iyi bak without kendine can be used as a command to 'watch carefully' or 'keep an eye on' something.
Examples in context
- Lütfen kendine iyi bak.Please take care of yourself.This sentence shows how to use kendine iyi bak with the word please.Tatoeba #1344806 by duran, translation #38550 by CK
- Güle güle! kendine iyi bak!Bye! Take care!This sentence shows how to use kendine iyi bak as a parting phrase after saying goodbye.Tatoeba #4464345 by duran, translation #3847237 by Luciosp
- Kendine iyi bak. Hasta olma.Take care of yourself. Don't get sick.This sentence shows how to use kendine iyi bak alongside a wish for someone not to get sick.Tatoeba #5315243 by deyta, translation #462488 by lukaszpp
- Kendinize iyi bakmanızı dilerimI wish you take care of yourself
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mehmet and Merve are parting ways after a coffee date.
- MehmetBen gidiyorum, görüşürüz Merve.I am leaving, see you Merve.
- MerveTamam Mehmet, kendine iyi bak.Okay Mehmet, take care.
- MehmetSen de kendine iyi bak.You take care too.
- MerveGörüşürüz!See you!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “take care” translations and entries kendine iyi bak, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries iyi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
