A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Take care" in French
The most common way to say 'take care' in French, used when parting from friends and family.
Prends soin de toi
prahn SOO-ahn duh twahcasual
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when saying goodbye to someone you know well, like a friend, family member, or close colleague. It's a warm way to express concern for their well-being as you part.
Alternatives
- Fais attention à toiSlightly more literal, meaning 'be careful'.
- Porte-toi bienA bit more general, like 'stay well'.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'oi' sound
The 'oi' in 'soin' and 'toi' sounds like 'wah' in 'wash', not 'oy' like in 'boy'.
Forgetting the 'de'
Always say 'soin DE toi', not just 'soin toi'.
A small cultural note
While 'Prends soin de toi' is common, you might hear 'À bientôt' (see you soon) or 'Salut' (bye) more often in very brief goodbyes.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do I use 'Prends soin de toi' vs 'Prenez soin de vous'?
'Prends soin de toi' is for one person you know well and use 'tu' with. 'Prenez soin de vous' is for one person you address with 'vous' or for a group of people.
Is 'Prends soin de toi' like 'Bye'?
It's more than just 'bye'; it carries a genuine wish for the person's well-being. It's often said after saying 'Au revoir' or 'Salut'.
Can I use 'Prends soin de toi' with my boss?
Generally no, unless you have a very close, informal relationship with your boss and use 'tu' with them. For most professional contexts, stick to 'Au revoir'.
