ख़याल रखना
Take care
Literally: Thought/Care (Khayal) Keep (Rakhna)
Use it to end conversations with anyone you care about to show warmth and genuine concern.
In 15 Seconds
- A warm way to say 'take care' during goodbyes.
- Combines 'Khayal' (thought/care) with 'Rakhna' (to keep).
- Works for friends, family, and colleagues in most settings.
Meaning
It is a warm way to tell someone to look after themselves. You use it when saying goodbye to show you genuinely care about their well-being.
Key Examples
3 of 6Saying goodbye to a friend after coffee
Achha chalo, apna khayal rakhna!
Okay then, take care of yourself!
Texting a sibling who is traveling
Safar mein apna khayal rakhna.
Take care of yourself during the journey.
Ending a call with a respected teacher
Aap apna khayal rakhiye, sir.
Please take care of yourself, sir.
Cultural Background
The phrase uses the word 'Khayal', which has Persian roots and implies 'thought' or 'consideration'. In South Asian culture, asking someone to take care is a sign of intimacy and social bonding, often used to soften the blow of a long departure.
The 'Apna' Rule
Always add 'Apna' (your own) before the phrase to make it sound more heartfelt and less like a command.
Don't Over-formalize
Using 'rakhiye' with your best friend will make them think you are being sarcastic or that they've upset you!
In 15 Seconds
- A warm way to say 'take care' during goodbyes.
- Combines 'Khayal' (thought/care) with 'Rakhna' (to keep).
- Works for friends, family, and colleagues in most settings.
What It Means
Khayal rakhna is the ultimate Hindi parting phrase. It translates to "take care." It is more than just a polite goodbye. It shows you value the person. It feels like a warm hug in words. Use it to show genuine concern. It is sweet, simple, and very common.
How To Use It
Add it to the end of a conversation. You can use it as a standalone sentence. For friends, just say khayal rakhna. For elders, add apna (your) at the beginning. Apna khayal rakhna makes it more personal. It works perfectly in person or over text. If you are feeling extra caring, add theek se (properly). Just don't say it to your pizza delivery guy. That might be a bit too much emotion for a pepperoni pie.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend is leaving your house. Use it when hanging up a phone call. It is perfect for someone who is feeling sick. Use it when a colleague is going on vacation. It fits beautifully in emotional moments. It also works in casual daily check-ins. It is the 'safety first' of the Hindi world.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it in very stiff business meetings. Do not use it with total strangers. It implies a level of connection. If you say it to a random shopkeeper, they might be confused. They might think you know a secret about their health! Keep it for people you actually want to see safe.
Cultural Background
Indian culture is deeply rooted in community. We often prioritize others' well-being over our own. Saying khayal rakhna reflects this collective care. It stems from the Urdu word khayal meaning thought or imagination. By saying this, you are saying "keep yourself in your thoughts." It became a staple in Bollywood movies for dramatic goodbyes. Now, it is the standard way to end a chat with anyone you like.
Common Variations
Apna khayal rakhna: Take care of yourself (Standard).Dhyan rakhna: Keep focus/Take care (More instructional).Khayal rakhiye: Take care (Formal/Respectful).Take care na: The Hinglish version for Gen-Z vibes.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile. The main thing to watch is the verb ending: 'rakhna' for friends, 'rakho' for kids, and 'rakhiye' or 'rakhein' for elders/formal settings.
The 'Apna' Rule
Always add 'Apna' (your own) before the phrase to make it sound more heartfelt and less like a command.
Don't Over-formalize
Using 'rakhiye' with your best friend will make them think you are being sarcastic or that they've upset you!
The Bollywood Effect
In movies, this is often the last thing said before a dramatic train departure. It carries a lot of 'heroic' weight!
Examples
6Achha chalo, apna khayal rakhna!
Okay then, take care of yourself!
A very standard, friendly way to end a hangout.
Safar mein apna khayal rakhna.
Take care of yourself during the journey.
Shows protective affection common in Indian families.
Aap apna khayal rakhiye, sir.
Please take care of yourself, sir.
The 'rakhiye' ending adds necessary respect for an elder.
Bahar thand hai, khayal rakhna!
It is cold outside, take care!
Used as a gentle warning or reminder.
Giro mat, khayal rakhna!
Don't fall, take care!
Lighthearted use when someone is being a bit messy.
Shubhkaamnaayein, aur apna khayal rakhein.
Best wishes, and take care of yourself.
Professional yet warm, building a better relationship.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase for an elder.
Dadaji, apna khayal ___.
When speaking to elders (Dadaji/Grandfather), we use the respectful form 'rakhiye'.
Which word means 'yourself' in the phrase 'Take care of yourself'?
___ khayal rakhna.
'Apna' refers to one's own self in this context.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels of Khayal Rakhna
Used with friends/youngers
Khayal rakhna!
Standard polite version
Apna khayal rakhna.
Used for elders/bosses
Apna khayal rakhiye.
Where to use Khayal Rakhna
Airport Goodbye
Bye, khayal rakhna!
Sick Friend
Get well soon, khayal rakhna.
Ending a Phone Call
Chalo, khayal rakhna.
Late Night Text
Goodnight, khayal rakhna.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means 'thought' or 'care'. When you say khayal rakhna, you are literally saying 'keep the thought/care'.
Yes, it is very common in Indian workplaces with colleagues you are friendly with. Use khayal rakhiye for your boss.
Dhyan rakhna is more about being careful or alert. Khayal rakhna is more about general well-being and affection.
You can say Aap bhi (You too) or Ji, bilkul (Yes, definitely).
Not really. For objects, use Sambhaal kar rakhna. Khayal rakhna is almost always for people or pets.
It might be a bit too personal. Stick to a simple Namaste or Alvida until you've spoken for a bit.
It can be! It depends on the tone. In a soft voice, it is very romantic, but usually, it is just friendly.
People often just say Khayal rakhna without the Apna. It’s the 'Take care' vs 'Take care of yourself' distinction.
Absolutely. It is the most common thing to say to someone who is unwell: Theek se khayal rakhna.
Not really a slang version, but young people often mix it with English: Take care, yaar!
Related Phrases
Dhyan rakhna
Be careful / Watch out
Sambhal kar
Carefully / Handle with care
Aaram karna
To rest
Savadhan rehna
Stay cautious (Formal)
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