لازم تكون حذر

The word لازم means 'must' or 'necessary.' تكون means 'you be.' حذر means 'careful' or 'cautious.' You can easily change the ending for gender. For a woman, you would say لازم تكوني حذرة. For a group, say لازم تكونوا حذرين. It is a simple 'Lego-style' phrase that fits into many sentences. You can use it at the start of a sentence or as a standalone piece of advice.

Use it when a friend is driving in bad weather. It is perfect when someone is starting a new, risky business venture. Use it when giving advice about dealing with a tricky person. It works well in professional meetings when discussing a sensitive topic. It is also great for texting a friend who is traveling to a new city.

Do not use it for tiny, everyday choices. Don't say it when someone is picking a flavor of ice cream. It sounds way too dramatic for low-stakes situations. Avoid using it if the situation is completely safe and predictable. You might end up sounding a bit paranoid or overprotective! Also, if someone is already in immediate danger (like a car coming), use انتبه instead.

Middle Eastern culture is very communal and interconnected. People often look out for one another's safety and reputation. Giving safety advice is seen as a warm sign of friendship and care. It is not usually seen as being bossy or intrusive. In many Arabic-speaking homes, you will hear this phrase as you walk out the door. It is the verbal equivalent of a protective hug.

In Egyptian Arabic, people usually say خلي بالك. In the Levant (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan), you will often hear دير بالك. If you want to sound very formal or 'news-anchor' style, you might say يجب أن تكون حذراً. However, لازم تكون حذر is the perfect middle ground. It works almost everywhere and sounds natural to everyone.