Japanese word

注意

Pronunciation

Romajichūi

Meaning

  • nounattention, caution

Example

前の車に注意してください。mae no kuruma ni chū i shi te ku da sa i

Please pay attention to the car ahead.

Illustration for 注意 (attention)

More examples

階段では注意してください。kai dan de wa chū i shi te ku da sa i

Please be careful on the stairs.

火を使うときは注意が必要です。hi o tsuka u to ki wa chū i ga hitsu yō de su

You need to be careful when using fire.

Core concept

It marks a deliberate focus on something so that it is noticed or handled carefully.

Common phrases

  • 注意するchū i su ru

    be careful

  • 注意を払うchū i o hara u

    pay attention

  • 注意を引くchū i o hi ku

    attract attention

Similar words

注目chūmoku: Focused awareness directed toward a person, thing, or event.
用心yōjin: Careful awareness used to avoid danger or trouble.
警戒keikai: A state of watching carefully for danger or trouble.

Definition in Japanese

ある物事に意識を向け、気をつけること。a ru mono goto ni i shiki o mu ke ki o tsu ke ru ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 注意 (chūi, "attention") combines 注 (chū, "pour") and 意 (i, "mind"), expressing the act of directing the mind toward something.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 注意してください (chūi shite kudasai) can mean either "please pay attention" or "please be careful," depending on whether the focus is an object or a possible problem.

Other meanings

  • warningnoun

Opposites

  • 不注意fuchūicarelessnessnoun
  • 油断yudancarelessnessnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word