Japanese word

警戒

Pronunciation

Romajikeikai

Meaning

  • nouncaution

Example

知らない人を警戒します。shi ra na i hito o kei kai shi ma su

I am cautious around strangers.

Illustration for 警戒 (caution)

More examples

物音がしたので、彼は警戒しました。mono oto ga shi ta no de kare wa kei kai shi ma shi ta

He became wary when he heard a noise.

Core concept

Describes staying mentally ready and careful because a person, situation, or danger may cause harm.

Common phrases

  • 警戒するkei kai su ru

    be cautious

  • 周囲を警戒するshū i o kei kai su ru

    be wary of one's surroundings

  • 警戒を解くkei kai o to ku

    lower one's guard

Similar words

用心yōjin: Careful behavior aimed at preventing danger, trouble, or mistakes.
警戒心keikaishin: A cautious feeling that keeps a person wary of another person or situation.
注意chūi: Awareness of possible danger or trouble that requires careful action.

Definition in Japanese

危険や不審な相手などに注意を払い、用心すること。ki ken ya fu shin na ai te na do ni chū i o hara i yō jin su ru ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese noun 警戒 (keikai) combines 警 (kei, "warning") and 戒 (kai, "guard"), giving the sense of guarding against danger.

Usage tips

  • In conversational Japanese, 警戒 (keikai) can describe a person's wariness toward another person, not only caution about physical danger.

Other meanings

  • alertnessnoun
  • being on guardnoun

Opposites

  • 油断yudancarelessnessnoun
  • 無警戒mukeikaiunguardedna-adjective

Related words

  • 警戒心keikaishinwarinessnoun

Word lists with this word