French Phrase
Prends soin de toi !
Meaning
Literally ‘Take care of yourself!’, this informal phrase is a warm way to wish someone good health and well‑being, especially when parting or after they’ve been through something stressful.
When to use
Use it with friends, family members, or anyone you address with *tu*. It is too casual for a formal email or a business setting; in those cases you would say *Prenez soin de vous*.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Prendssoindetoi
Prends (imperative)
‘Prends’ is the second‑person singular (tu) imperative of the verb *prendre* ‘to take’. The -s is kept because the verb is followed by the pronoun *toi*.
prendre soin de
The fixed expression *prendre soin de* means ‘to take care of’. *Soin* is a masculine noun that does not change in the expression.
de
The preposition *de* links the noun *soin* with the person or thing that is being cared for.
toi (reflexive pronoun)
*Toi* is the stressed form of the second‑person singular pronoun *tu*. It is used after *de* in this idiom to refer to the listener.
🗨In Conversation
Prends soin de toi !
Take care of yourself!
Merci, toi aussi !
Thanks, you too!
✕Common Mistakes
Prenez soin de toi.
Mixes the formal/plural imperative *Prenez* with the informal pronoun *toi*. Use either *Prenez soin de vous* (formal) or *Prends soin de toi* (informal).
Prenez soin de toi.
When you use the formal imperative *Prenez*, the pronoun must also be formal: *vous*.
Prends soins de toi.
The noun stays singular; do not add an *s* (soins) in this fixed expression.
↔Alternatives
Prends bien soin de toi
Take good care of yourself
Fais attention à toi
Watch out for yourself
Prenez soin de vous
Take care of yourself (formal/plural)
Prends soin de toi-même
Take care of yourself
Cultural Tip
In French-speaking cultures, expressing personal concern with *Prends soin de toi* is a sign of intimacy and warmth. The use of *toi* signals an informal register; switch to *vous* when speaking to strangers, elders, or in professional contexts. The phrase is often said when saying goodbye, after a medical appointment, or when someone is recovering from illness.