Береги себя
The Russian phrase for 'take care of yourself' is Береги себя.
This phrase is commonly used as a warm, affectionate way to say goodbye to friends or loved ones, implying a wish for their safety and well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb береги (protect/guard) and the reflexive pronoun себя (yourself).
Which one should you use?
Use Береги себя only when speaking to one person whom you address as 'ты' (informal 'you').
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the phrase when addressing someone formally or when addressing a group of people, use the form Берегите себя.
Did you know?
- The verb береги comes from the same root as берег, which means 'shore' or 'bank'. The original idea was that protecting someone was like keeping them safe on the shore and away from the dangerous water.
- While 'take care of yourself' sounds casual in English, the Russian Береги себя literally translates to 'guard' or 'protect yourself', as if the person is under physical threat.
- The verb беречь is also used in Russian for 'to save' or 'to conserve', such as saving money or conserving energy, which links the idea of 'protecting yourself' to 'preserving' your resources.
Examples in context
- Ты там береги себя.Take care of yourself out there.This sentence shows how to use Береги себя to tell someone to take care of themselves in a specific location.Tatoeba #13863717 by marafon, translation #12090098 by CK
- Береги себя.Take care of yourself.Tatoeba #443327 by Hellerick, translation #64257 by CK
- Береги себя, ладно?Take care of yourself, OK?This sentence shows how to add 'OK?' to the phrase Береги себя.Tatoeba #12764684 by marafon, translation #1860579 by CK
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Alexander are saying goodbye at the train station.
- Анастасия AnastasiaПока, Александр.Poka, Aleksandr.Bye, Alexander.
- Александр AleksandrДо встречи, Анастасия.Do vstrechi, Anastasiya.See you, Anastasia.
- Анастасия AnastasiaБереги себя.Beregi sebya.Take care of yourself.
- Александр AleksandrСпасибо, и ты тоже.Spasibo, i ty tozhe.Thanks, you too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
