In 15 Seconds
- A warm way to say goodbye and wish someone well.
- Use it as a standalone phrase or with 'of' plus a noun.
- Perfect for friends, family, and friendly work colleagues.
Meaning
This phrase is used to tell someone to be safe and look after themselves. It is a warm way to say goodbye or to show you care about someone's well-being.
Key Examples
3 of 6Saying goodbye to a friend after coffee
It was great seeing you, take care!
It was great seeing you, look after yourself!
Ending a professional but friendly email
Thanks for the update. Take care, Sarah.
Thanks for the update. Best wishes, Sarah.
Texting a friend who is going on a long hike
Have fun on the mountain and take care!
Have fun and stay safe!
Cultural Background
Very common in casual service interactions, like with a barista or cashier. Often used with 'now' at the end for a slightly softer tone. Often shortened or replaced by 'Take it easy'. Very similar to the US, used frequently in professional and casual settings.
Keep it simple
You don't need to add anything else. 'Take care' is a complete sentence.
Use it in emails
It is a great way to end a professional email to a colleague you know well.
In 15 Seconds
- A warm way to say goodbye and wish someone well.
- Use it as a standalone phrase or with 'of' plus a noun.
- Perfect for friends, family, and friendly work colleagues.
What It Means
Take care is a versatile English expression that acts like a warm hug in word form. At its heart, it means you want the other person to be safe and healthy. It is most commonly used when saying goodbye. It shows you aren't just leaving; you actually care what happens to them after you go. It is much warmer than a simple bye.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone goodbye. Just say Take care! as you walk out the door. You can also use it with the word of. If you say take care of, you must follow it with a person or thing. For example, take care of yourself or take care of the cat. It is very flexible. You can say it, text it, or write it in an email. It fits almost everywhere.
When To Use It
Use it when you are finishing a conversation with a friend. It is great for ending a phone call with your parents. Use it in a work email to show you are a friendly colleague. It is perfect when someone is going on a trip. If a friend is feeling sick, saying take care is a must. It tells them to rest and get better.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are in a huge rush and being very brief. It might sound too soft if you are giving a strict command. Avoid using it if you are actually angry with someone. Saying take care while slamming a door feels very sarcastic! Also, don't use it at the very start of a meeting. It is almost always a 'closing' phrase, not an 'opening' one.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, this phrase became very popular in the 1960s and 70s. It reflects a shift toward more personal and caring social interactions. In the UK and US, it is a standard way to end a chat without being too formal. It bridges the gap between 'business' and 'friendship'. It suggests that the community looks out for one another. It is the verbal equivalent of a friendly wave.
Common Variations
You will often hear Take care now! in the Southern United States. Some people just say Careful! if there is immediate danger. A very common version is Take it easy, which is more relaxed. If you want to be extra sweet, you say Take good care. In emails, people often just write Best, or Regards, but Take care adds a nice personal touch.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly adaptable across all levels of formality except the most rigid legal or military contexts. Remember that 'take care' (goodbye) and 'take care of' (responsibility) are the two main ways to use this collocation.
Keep it simple
You don't need to add anything else. 'Take care' is a complete sentence.
Use it in emails
It is a great way to end a professional email to a colleague you know well.
Examples
6It was great seeing you, take care!
It was great seeing you, look after yourself!
Used here as a warm, casual goodbye.
Thanks for the update. Take care, Sarah.
Thanks for the update. Best wishes, Sarah.
Softens the tone of a business email.
Have fun on the mountain and take care!
Have fun and stay safe!
Focuses on physical safety during an activity.
Please take care of my hamster while I am on vacation.
Please look after my hamster while I am away.
Using 'take care of' to assign a responsibility.
Take care not to trip over your own feet today!
Try not to fall over today!
Uses the phrase playfully to tease a friend.
I'm so sorry for your loss; please take care of yourself.
I'm sorry; please look after your mental and physical health.
A deeply sincere and supportive use of the phrase.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
It was lovely to meet you. ______!
This is the standard farewell phrase.
Which is correct?
Choose the correct way to say goodbye.
You must include the preposition 'of' when using 'yourself'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercisesIt was lovely to meet you. ______!
This is the standard farewell phrase.
Choose the correct way to say goodbye.
You must include the preposition 'of' when using 'yourself'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, if you have a friendly relationship. If the relationship is very formal, 'Best regards' is safer.
Mostly, yes. It is rarely used as a greeting.
Related Phrases
Take it easy
similarRelax or be calm.
Stay safe
similarA wish for safety.
Have a good one
similarA general wish for a good day.
See you later
similarA casual goodbye.
