take care

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/teɪk kɛr/
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A way to wish someone well or ask them to act carefully.
Practice using take care in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • "I had better go." "All right. Take care!"
  • "See you next week, and take care until then."
  • "Goodbye, Sam. Take care!"
  • "I will call you when I arrive." "Okay, take care."
  • Take care that the door is locked before you leave.

Similar words

be careful
look after yourself
be well
pay attention
stay safe
be cautious
watch out

Meanings

A warm goodbye

conversation
neutral
A friendly goodbye that wishes someone well and safe.

Examples

  • "Goodbye, Sam. Take care!"
  • "I will call you when I arrive." "Okay, take care."
  • She ended her letter with "Take care."
  • "See you next week, and take care until then."
  • "I had better go." "All right. Take care!"

Similar words

look after yourself
stay safe
be well

Act carefully

everyday
neutral
To pay attention so that a mistake or harm does not happen.

Examples

  • Take care when you cross this road.
  • Please take care not to scratch the table.
  • She took care to check every name.
  • Take care that the door is locked before you leave.
  • If you take care, the glass will not break.

Similar words

be careful
pay attention
watch out
be cautious

Etymology

Take means to give something your attention, and care means concern or caution. The farewell shortens the wish that someone look after themselves.

FAQ

What does take care mean at the end of a conversation?

It is a friendly goodbye that wishes the other person well.

Can take care be a warning?

Yes. It can tell someone to act carefully to avoid a mistake or injury.

Is take care formal?

It is natural in everyday speech and friendly messages.

Does take care always mean goodbye?

No. It can also mean to pay close attention to what you are doing.

What is a similar farewell to take care?

You can say stay safe or all the best.

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