How to say “take care” like a native speaker
A friendly goodbye expressing concern for someone’s wellbeing. With “of” and an object, it instead means look after a person or thing, as some of these examples show.
All phrases · Greetings
Hear “take care” in real speech
Clip 1 · English with Emma · engVid
5 English Expressions for Busy People · 11:03
About this video
Emma teaches five English expressions for being busy, including “in a rush”, “on the go” and “swamped”. She explains their everyday use and demonstrates the final sound in “swamped”.
In context
to calm down and make you feel nice and calm and relaxed.So, thank you for watching, and until next time, take care.
Clip 2 · Elizabeth Gilbert
Your elusive creative genius | Elizabeth Gilbert · 13:44
About this video
Elizabeth Gilbert reflects on her relationship with writing after the success of her memoir, Eat, Pray, Love. She explores ways to think about creativity and the uncertainty of the creative process.
In context
"Do I look like I can write down a song right now?If you really want to exist, come back at a more opportune moment when I can take care of you.
Otherwise, go bother somebody else today.
Clip 3 · TED
How Sharing Books Makes You Less Lonely | Rebecca Toh | TED · 8:47
About this video
Rebecca Toh describes a shared library that 180 people built together in Singapore. She introduces the people and shelves that make up this community space and connects sharing books with feeling less alone.
In context
I see community in the little children who come into our library.Little kids who actually remind each other to, you know, like, please take care of the books, don't bend the pages, put the book back in the right place.
I see community in our volunteer librarians, who spend a lot of time cleaning the library, cataloging books,
When to use “take care”
- Saying goodbye before a friend's long journey: “Take care, and send me a message when you arrive.”
- Asking someone to watch a pet: “Could you take care of the cat this weekend?”
Common learner mistake
When naming the person or thing to look after, include “of”: “take care of the cat”.
Possible connected-speech patterns in “take care”
The K at the end of “take” meets the K at the start of “care”. They can share one release rather than sounding like two separate bursts.
Related phrases
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