Japanese word

気をつける

Pronunciation

Romajikiotsukeru

Meaning

  • verbbe careful

Example

横断歩道では気をつけます。ō dan ho dō de wa ki o tsu ke ma su

I am careful at the crosswalk.

Illustration for 気をつける (be careful)

More examples

暗い道を歩くときは、足元に気をつけてください。kura i michi o aru ku to ki wa ashi moto ni ki o tsu ke te ku da sa i

Please watch your step when walking on a dark road.

Core concept

Directs attention toward a situation or action so that danger or mistakes are avoided.

Common phrases

  • 車に気をつけるkuruma ni ki o tsu ke ru

    watch out for cars

  • 足元に気をつけるashi moto ni ki o tsu ke ru

    watch one's step

Similar words

注意するchūisuru: To pay close attention to a person, thing, or situation to avoid danger or mistakes.
用心するyōjinsuru: To stay alert and take care to avoid danger or trouble.
心がけるkokorogakeru: To make a conscious effort to do something regularly or properly.

Definition in Japanese

危険や間違いがないように、周囲や行動に注意を払う。ki ken ya ma chiga i ga na i yō ni shū i ya kō dō ni chū i o hara u

Word origin

Combines 気 (ki, "mind") with つける (tsukeru, "attach"), giving the sense of directing the mind toward something.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 気をつけて (ki o tsukete) commonly means "take care" when someone is leaving, not only "watch out" for a specific danger.

Other meanings

  • pay attentionverb

Opposites

  • 油断するyudansurulet one's guard downverb

Word lists with this word