Take Care
The formal version of 'Cuídate', used with people you'd address as 'usted' (e.g., elders, bosses, strangers).
A very common and friendly way to say goodbye, wishing someone well. It means 'Hope it goes well for you.'
Literally 'We'll see each other,' this is a very common, casual farewell similar to 'See you later.'
A gentle and sincere way to say goodbye, meaning 'Hope you are well.'
Goodbye, mom. Take great care!
Thank you for your help, sir. Take care.
I'm going to my house. See you tomorrow!
You have an important exam. Hope it goes well for you!
'Cuídate' is universally understood and used. 'Que estés bien' is also extremely common as a kind-hearted farewell.
Adding 'mucho' is very common: 'Cuídate mucho'. The phrase 'Ahí nos vemos' is a popular, casual alternative to 'Nos vemos'.
In addition to 'Cuídate', you'll hear 'Que te rinda', which wishes someone a productive day. It's used like 'take care' when someone is heading off to work or run errands.
Due to 'voseo', the form is 'Cuidate' (pronounced kwee-DAH-teh), with the stress on the 'a' and no written accent mark on the 'i'.
While 'Cuídate' is used, 'Hasta luego' is a more common default farewell. For groups of friends, they use the 'vosotros' form: 'Cuidaos'.
Using 'Cuidado' as a farewell. — '¡Cuidado!' is a warning that means 'Watch out!' or 'Be careful!'. It is not a way to say goodbye. Saying 'Cuidado' when leaving is like yelling 'Danger!' at someone. The correct farewell is 'Cuídate'.
Using 'Toma cuidado'. — This is a direct word-for-word translation of 'take care' that does not exist in Spanish. The verb is reflexive: 'cuidarse'. You must say 'Cuídate' (you take care of yourself).
Confusing 'Cuídate' and 'Cuídese'. — Using the informal 'Cuídate' (for 'tú') with someone who requires formal address ('usted'), like an elderly person or a boss, can seem disrespectful. Always use 'Cuídese' in formal situations.