Signification
A caring farewell.
Contexte culturel
Turkish culture is deeply protective of guests. Even after a guest leaves the house, the host feels a duty to ensure they reach home safely. This phrase is the verbal manifestation of that duty. In rural Anatolia, you might hear 'Allah'a emanet ol' (Be entrusted to God) more frequently, which is a more religious version of 'take care'. In urban areas like Istanbul, 'Dikkat et kendine' is the secular standard. In Turkish dramas, this phrase is often used as a dramatic 'last word' before a long separation or a dangerous mission, emphasizing the emotional weight of the relationship. On Turkish social media and WhatsApp, the phrase is a sign of a 'warm' closing. Ending a chat without any well-wish can sometimes be perceived as 'soğuk' (cold).
The 'Double' Farewell
Turkish people love to double up. Say 'Kendine iyi bak, dikkat et' to sound 100% like a native.
Watch the Case
Never say 'Kendini dikkat et'. It's a dead giveaway that you're a beginner. Always use the -e ending.
Signification
A caring farewell.
The 'Double' Farewell
Turkish people love to double up. Say 'Kendine iyi bak, dikkat et' to sound 100% like a native.
Watch the Case
Never say 'Kendini dikkat et'. It's a dead giveaway that you're a beginner. Always use the -e ending.
The Phone Sign-off
When hanging up, it's common to say 'Hadi bay bay, dikkat et kendine' in one breath.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'kendi'.
Görüşürüz Ahmet, ______ dikkat et.
The verb 'dikkat etmek' requires the dative case (-e), so 'kendi' becomes 'kendine'.
Which of the following is the most appropriate formal version of the phrase?
Sayın Müdürüm, iyi akşamlar...
When speaking to a superior (Müdür/Manager), you must use the formal plural 'Kendinize... edin'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Ayşe: 'Yarın sabah erkenden yola çıkıyorum.' Mehmet: 'Hayırlı yolculuklar, ________.'
When someone is going on a journey, wishing them safety with 'dikkat et kendine' is the most natural response.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A friend is walking home alone at night.
'Dikkat et kendine' is used to wish someone safety in potentially risky situations like walking home at night.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGörüşürüz Ahmet, ______ dikkat et.
The verb 'dikkat etmek' requires the dative case (-e), so 'kendi' becomes 'kendine'.
Sayın Müdürüm, iyi akşamlar...
When speaking to a superior (Müdür/Manager), you must use the formal plural 'Kendinize... edin'.
Ayşe: 'Yarın sabah erkenden yola çıkıyorum.' Mehmet: 'Hayırlı yolculuklar, ________.'
When someone is going on a journey, wishing them safety with 'dikkat et kendine' is the most natural response.
Situation: A friend is walking home alone at night.
'Dikkat et kendine' is used to wish someone safety in potentially risky situations like walking home at night.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is informal. For formal situations, use 'Kendinize dikkat edin'.
Only if you have a very close, long-term relationship. Otherwise, stick to the formal version.
'Dikkat et' implies safety/caution, while 'Kendine iyi bak' implies general health/wellness. They are often used interchangeably.
Say 'Kendinize dikkat edin'.
Yes, very common in emails, texts, and letters to friends.
In a farewell context, no. It sounds caring. Only if shouted does it sound like a warning.
Yes, but adding 'kendine' makes it warmer and more personal.
It means 'to yourself'.
Yes, it is a universal Turkish expression.
Yes, it's very appropriate to tell a sick person to take care of themselves.
Expressions liées
Kendine iyi bak
synonymTake good care of yourself
Dikkatli ol
similarBe careful
Allah'a emanet ol
similarBe entrusted to God
Hoşça kal
builds onStay pleasantly
Gözünü dört aç
specialized formKeep your eyes peeled (literally: open your eyes to four)
