Japanese word

慎重

Pronunciation

Romajishinchō

Meaning

  • na-adjectivecareful

Example

よく考えてから、慎重に決めます。yo ku kanga e te ka ra shin chō ni ki me ma su

I decide carefully after thinking it over.

Illustration for 慎重 (careful)

More examples

大切な話なので、慎重に話してください。tai setsu na hanashi na no de shin chō ni hana shi te ku da sa i

Since it is an important matter, please speak carefully.

Core concept

It conveys careful judgment that avoids hasty action and considers possible risks.

Common phrases

  • 慎重な判断shin chō na han dan

    careful judgment

  • 慎重に行動するshin chō ni kō dō su ru

    act carefully

Similar words

周到shūtō: Being well prepared by considering possible needs and problems in advance.
入念nyūnen: Being careful to examine or prepare something thoroughly.

Definition in Japanese

先を急がず、失敗や危険がないかを考えて行動するさま。saki o iso ga zu ship pai ya ki ken ga na i ka o kanga e te kō dō su ru sa ma

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 慎重 (shinchō) combines 慎 (shin, "cautious") with 重 (chō, "weight"), giving the sense of treating a matter with care.

Usage tips

  • In conversational English, saying that someone is careful may describe attention to details, whereas 慎重 (shinchō) often highlights taking time before making a choice.

Other meanings

  • cautiousna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 慎重さshinchōsacarefulnessnoun

Word lists with this word