What does the expression "take care" mean to you?

Question

I often use the expression "take care" as a farewell/good-bye -type expression. A co-worker recently commented that it seemed like such a final farewell. To me, it is a more temporary farewll, as in, "take care of yourself, until I see you next time." What do you think?

Answer 1

to me to say "bye" to someone is more final then to say 'take care" it means just that take care

Answer 2

Well it was a word that my Grand parents and Mom always used.  They are gone now and I still continue.  It just means see you again...Not a final Good Bye.  That would be "Good Riddance."

Answer 3

take care means, watch yourself and don't end up on da street...

Answer 4

Exactly the same as you.

Answer 5

I personally think that "take care" is better than "bye" or "farewell".

I think that I have a new word!!

Answer 6

It's just a nice way to say they care about you.

Answer 7

I would ignore anything that person had to comment on. Take Care is way more temporary than Bye!

Answer 8

I wouldn't say "take care" to someone I would see the next day. Or even that week. It does come off as a long term farewell, if you will.

Answer 9

Both.. if you hope to see someone again soon.. you hope they will be well in the meantime but also if they move a long way away and you won't see them for years and don't know when.. you can say.. Good bye, please take care, I'll miss you!

Answer 10

i agree with you. its like 'be careful i hope to see you next time' kinda thing

Answer 11

I agree with you. Take care is a nice way to say "take care of yourself".  It doesn't have any finality to it, in my opinion.  Another one I like is "be good".

Answer 12

It's closure because they don't know what else to say.

Answer 13

I agree with you. I say take care all the time.

I've never thought of it as a "final farewell".