Translation guide
The English phrase "take care" has several distinct uses: expressing caution, saying goodbye, showing concern for someone's well-being, and handling responsibilities. Japanese uses different expressions for each.
Warn someone to avoid danger or mistakes.
The most common and versatile way to say 'be careful' or 'take care' in a cautionary sense. Used in everyday situations.
A bit more formal than 気をつけて. Often used in written warnings or announcements.
足元に注意してください。
Please watch your step.
Say farewell in a warm but not overly formal way.
A very common casual goodbye, similar to 'see you'. Often used among friends.
じゃあね、また明日。
Take care, see you tomorrow.
Literally 'stay well', used when parting for a longer time or when you want to express more care. Closer to 'take care of yourself'.
Take responsibility for the well-being or maintenance of a person, pet, or thing.
The standard way to say 'take care of' someone or something. 世話 means 'care' or 'looking after'.
母が病気の祖母の世話をしている。
My mother takes care of my sick grandmother.
Take responsibility for completing a task or resolving an issue.
Means 'to be in charge of' or 'handle' a task. Common in work contexts.
私がその問題を担当します。
I'll take care of that problem.
Advise someone to look after their own health or safety.
Specifically means 'take care of your health/body'. Often said to someone who is sick or working too hard.
あまり無理しないで、体に気をつけてね。
Don't overdo it, take care of yourself.
The English phrase 'take care' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Using 世話をする for a goodbye would be unnatural. Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
気をつけて is the default for everyday warnings. 注意して is more formal and often appears in signs or official announcements. In casual speech, 気をつけて is preferred.
元気でね。また会おう。
Take care. Let's meet again.
Can be used as a farewell, especially when someone is traveling. Implies 'take care on your way'.
気をつけてね、良い旅を。
Take care, have a good trip.
Can you take care of my dog while I'm traveling?
Means 'to treasure' or 'take good care of' something, emphasizing emotional value.
この本を大事にしてください。
Please take good care of this book.
Means 'to process' or 'deal with' something, often used for paperwork, complaints, or technical issues.
この書類を処理しておきます。
I'll take care of these documents.
Literally 'to tidy up', but can mean 'to take care of' a task or problem, especially when finishing it off.
この仕事を早く片付けよう。
Let's take care of this work quickly.
Common phrase said to someone who is sick or injured, meaning 'get well soon' or 'take care of yourself'.
風邪をひいたんですね。お大事に。
I heard you caught a cold. Take care.