1.
take care of yourself; get well soon; look after yourself
A set expression said to someone who is sick, injured, or about to visit a doctor. Conveys a wish for recovery and concern for the person's health.
風邪ですか。お大事に。
You have a cold? Take care of yourself.
お大事になさってください。
Please take good care of yourself.
入院すると聞いて心配しています。どうぞお大事に。
I'm worried to hear you'll be hospitalized. Please take care.
A standard expression of concern for someone who is ill or injured. Literally means "please treat yourself as important." Used across all social contexts, from casual to formal.
FORMS BY POLITENESS:
- お大事に: standard form, widely used
- お大事になさってください: more polite/formal version
- お大事にしてください: polite version
- お大事にね: casual, friendly version
WHEN USED:
- When someone says they are sick or feeling unwell
- When visiting someone in the hospital
- When a patient leaves the doctor's office (commonly said by medical staff)
- In get-well messages and cards
CULTURAL NOTE:
This is the standard Japanese equivalent of "get well soon." Doctors, nurses, and pharmacy staff routinely say お大事に or お大事になさってください to patients. It is not used for minor inconveniences or non-health-related problems.
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 早く良くなってね: get better soon — more casual and personal
- ご自愛ください: please take care of your health — formal written expression