Translation guide
How to express caution in Japanese, from warning someone to being careful yourself.
You want to alert someone to immediate danger or a risky situation.
The most common and direct way to shout 'Watch out!' or 'It's dangerous!' in an urgent situation.
危ない！車が来る！
Watch out! A car is coming!
A general 'be careful' or 'take care'. Used for less immediate dangers or as a parting phrase.
足元に気をつけてください。
Please watch your step.
気をつけて帰ってね。
Take care on your way home.
A noun meaning 'caution' or 'warning'. Often used on signs or in formal warnings.
取り扱い注意
Handle with care.
You want to tell someone to be careful in a non-urgent situation, like giving advice.
The standard verb phrase for 'to be careful'. Can be used in various forms.
もっと気をつけなきゃ。
I need to be more careful.
言葉に気をつけて。
Be careful with your words.
Means 'caution' or 'precaution', often against potential harm or crime.
Means 'to be on guard' or 'to be vigilant', used for serious threats like natural disasters or security.
台風に警戒してください。
Please be on alert for the typhoon.
You want to refer to an official caution or reprimand.
A formal warning, often from an authority. Can be a verb (警告する) or noun.
警察から警告を受けた。
I received a warning from the police.
A formal advisory or cautionary notice, often used in official contexts.
気象庁が注意勧告を出した。
The meteorological agency issued a cautionary advisory.
You want to say that you are being cautious or careful about something.
Means 'to be cautious' or 'to be prudent', emphasizing careful decision-making.
慎重に行動してください。
Please act with caution.
An adjective meaning 'cautious' or 'wary' as a personality trait.
彼は用心深い人だ。
He is a cautious person.
気をつける is the most common way to say 'be careful' in daily life. 注意する is more formal and often implies a warning or calling attention to something specific, like a sign or rule.
足元に気をつけて。
Watch your step. (casual)
足元に注意してください。
Please watch your step. (formal sign)
Shouting 注意！ at someone is unnatural. Use 危ない！ for immediate danger or 気をつけて！ for a general warning.
火の用心
Be careful with fire.