保重

• Pinyin: bǎo zhòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 保 = 亻 (person) + 呆 (phonetic); 重 = heavy/important

Meaning

Take care; look after yourself.

A warm expression used when parting, especially when the other person is going on a journey, facing challenges, or when there's uncertainty about the next meeting. Conveys genuine concern for someone's health and wellbeing.

Examples

1. 一路顺风，多保重，到了给我发个消息。 Have a safe journey, take care, and send me a message when you arrive.
2. 工作再忙也要照顾好自己，保重身体。 No matter how busy work gets, look after yourself and take care of your health.
3. 老师退休了，学生们都说保重，期待再见面。 When the teacher retired, all the students said take care and looked forward to meeting again.

Usage Guide

Context: farewell, concern, parting

Tone: caring

Do Say

• 你也保重，常联系。(You take care too, keep in touch.)
• 天冷了，保重身体。(It's getting cold, take care of yourself.)

Don't Say

• 每次见面都说'保重' (Don't say 保重 at every casual meeting — it's for more significant partings or when there's genuine concern)

Origin & History

保 (to protect/maintain) + 重 (important/serious). To take care of what's important — oneself.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal