B1 Collocation 中性 2分钟阅读

keep safe

يبقى آمنًا

Use 'keep safe' to show you care about someone's well-being when parting ways or during difficult times.

15秒了解

  • A warm way to wish someone protection from harm or illness.
  • Used frequently as a closing in texts, emails, and conversations.
  • Became a global standard for empathy during the pandemic years.

意思

This phrase is a warm way to tell someone to stay out of danger or look after their well-being. It is like a verbal hug that says you care about their safety.

关键例句

3 / 6
1

Ending a phone call with a parent

I'll talk to you next week, keep safe!

I will talk to you next week, stay safe!

💭
2

Texting a friend during a heavy storm

The wind is crazy out there, keep safe!

The wind is crazy out there, stay safe!

🤝
3

Closing a professional email to a client

I look forward to our meeting. Keep safe.

I look forward to our meeting. Stay safe.

💼
🌍

文化背景

While always part of English, 'keep safe' became a defining global mantra during the 2020 lockdowns. It shifted from a literal instruction to a standard social etiquette for showing empathy. In many Western cultures, it is now considered a polite and 'human' way to end interactions during uncertain times.

💡

The 'Stay' Swap

You can use `stay safe` and `keep safe` interchangeably. `Stay safe` is slightly more common in American English, while both are popular globally.

⚠️

Don't overthink it

If you say `keep safe` when there's no danger, people won't be offended. They will just think you are being extra nice!

15秒了解

  • A warm way to wish someone protection from harm or illness.
  • Used frequently as a closing in texts, emails, and conversations.
  • Became a global standard for empathy during the pandemic years.

What It Means

Keep safe is a simple, caring command. It means you want someone to avoid risks. It is not just about physical danger. It is about staying healthy and secure. Think of it as a softer version of 'be careful.' It sounds more like a wish than a warning. You use it because you value the person.

How To Use It

You can use it as a standalone goodbye. It works well at the end of an email. You can also use it in the middle of a sentence. For example, I hope you keep safe during the storm. It is very flexible. You do not need complex grammar. Just drop it in when you are parting ways. It is like the 'safety' version of 'have a nice day.'

When To Use It

Use it when someone is traveling. Use it during bad weather or a pandemic. It is perfect for a text message to a friend. You can say it to a colleague leaving the office. It feels right when there is a known risk nearby. It shows you are thinking of them. It is great for closing a phone call with family. It adds a touch of genuine warmth.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it if there is zero risk. It might sound a bit dramatic then. For example, do not say it if someone is just walking to the kitchen. Avoid it in very cold, strictly legal documents. It is a bit too personal for a court summons! Also, do not use it to replace 'be careful' in a high-stakes emergency. If a piano is falling, yell Watch out! instead.

Cultural Background

This phrase exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, it was common but less frequent. It became a global sign-off for everyone. It replaced the boring Sincerely or Best regards. It reflects a culture of community care. In the UK and US, it shows you are a 'kind' person. It bridges the gap between professional and personal life.

Common Variations

You might hear Stay safe which is almost identical. Some people say Keep yourself safe for extra emphasis. In Australia, you might hear Stay safe, mate. In emails, you will see Keep safe and well. All of these carry the same friendly energy. Choose the one that feels most natural to your voice.

使用说明

The phrase is highly versatile and sits in the 'neutral' register. It is safe to use with almost anyone, from a close friend to a professional contact, especially during times of public concern or personal travel.

💡

The 'Stay' Swap

You can use `stay safe` and `keep safe` interchangeably. `Stay safe` is slightly more common in American English, while both are popular globally.

⚠️

Don't overthink it

If you say `keep safe` when there's no danger, people won't be offended. They will just think you are being extra nice!

💬

The Pandemic Shift

Before 2020, this phrase was mostly for dangerous jobs. Now, it's a standard way to say goodbye to your barista or boss.

例句

6
#1 Ending a phone call with a parent
💭

I'll talk to you next week, keep safe!

I will talk to you next week, stay safe!

Shows affection and concern for family members.

#2 Texting a friend during a heavy storm
🤝

The wind is crazy out there, keep safe!

The wind is crazy out there, stay safe!

A casual way to check in during bad weather.

#3 Closing a professional email to a client
💼

I look forward to our meeting. Keep safe.

I look forward to our meeting. Stay safe.

Adds a human touch to a business relationship.

#4 Saying goodbye to a traveler
😊

Have a great trip to New York and keep safe!

Have a great trip to New York and stay safe!

Commonly used when someone is heading to a busy or new place.

#5 A slightly humorous warning to a clumsy friend
😄

Try not to trip over your own feet today, keep safe!

Try not to trip over your own feet today, stay safe!

Uses the phrase ironically to tease a friend's clumsiness.

#6 Formal announcement at a train station
👔

Please keep safe and stand behind the yellow line.

Please stay safe and stand behind the yellow line.

Used as a polite instruction in a public space.

自我测试

Choose the best word to complete the caring farewell.

It's getting late and the roads are icy, so please ___ safe on your way home.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: keep

'Keep safe' is the standard collocation used to wish someone safety.

Which phrase is most appropriate for a friendly text message?

Great seeing you today! ___ safe!

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Keep

'Keep safe' is the natural, idiomatic expression for this context.

🎉 得分: /2

视觉学习工具

Formality of 'Keep Safe'

Informal

Texting a best friend

Keep safe, bestie!

Neutral

Standard goodbye to a neighbor

Have a good night, keep safe.

Formal

Ending a business email

Kind regards, and keep safe.

When to say 'Keep Safe'

Keep Safe
❄️

Bad Weather

During a blizzard

✈️

Travel

Going on a solo trip

😷

Pandemic/Illness

During flu season

🌙

Night time

Walking home late

常见问题

10 个问题

Yes, it is a shortened version of keep yourself safe. In English, we often drop the reflexive pronoun in common imperatives.

Absolutely. It is very common now to use Keep safe or Stay safe just before your name in an email signature.

They mean the same thing. Be safe sounds a bit more like a direct instruction, while keep safe sounds like a continuous wish.

Usually, no. It shows empathy. However, if your boss is very traditional, a simple Best regards might be safer.

It is better to say get well soon. Keep safe is more about avoiding injury or staying out of harm's way.

It is used in both! It is a universal English expression used across the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.

No, it is for people. For objects, you would say keep it safe, like Keep my keys safe while I am gone.

No. We use the adjective safe here, not the adverb. Always say keep safe.

You can say You too! or Thanks, I will. It is a polite exchange.

Not really. It is a very standard, middle-of-the-road expression that everyone understands.

相关表达

Stay safe

The most common alternative to keep safe.

Take care

A general, warm way to say goodbye.

Watch yourself

A more casual, sometimes warning-like way to say be careful.

Safe travels

Specifically used when someone is going on a journey.

Look after yourself

A more personal way to tell someone to stay healthy and safe.

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