Translation guide
The English word "attention" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese, from paying mental focus to drawing notice, military commands, and even romantic interest. The most common and versatile equivalent is 注意 (ちゅうい), but the best choice depends heavily on context.
Expressing the act of focusing one's mind, being cautious, or heeding something.
The most general term for attention, caution, or warning. Used in a wide range of situations from everyday care to formal notices.
足元に注意してください。
Please watch your step.
彼は注意を払わなかった。
He didn't pay attention.
A very common everyday phrase meaning 'to be careful' or 'to pay attention'. More casual and personal than 注意.
車に気をつけてね。
Be careful of cars.
もっと気をつけなきゃ。
I need to pay more attention.
Attention in the sense of focusing one's eyes or interest on something specific. Often used for media attention or public focus.
その事件は大きな注目を集めた。
The incident attracted a lot of attention.
Caution against danger or something undesirable. Often used in warnings about crime or accidents.
火の用心。
Be careful with fire.
Expressing the act of making someone notice something or attracting interest.
Literally 'to pull attention'. The standard way to say 'to attract someone's attention'.
彼女は私の注意を引こうとした。
She tried to get my attention.
To be in the spotlight, to receive a lot of attention from the public or media.
彼の新作は注目を浴びている。
His new work is attracting attention.
To stand out, to be conspicuous. Often used for appearance or behavior that draws attention.
The sharp command given to soldiers to stand straight and still.
Receiving treatment or care from a medical professional.
Medical treatment or first aid. Often used in the phrase '手当てを受ける' (to receive medical attention).
彼はすぐに手当てを受けた。
He received medical attention immediately.
Medical treatment or therapy. More formal and comprehensive than 手当て.
Showing special interest in someone romantically.
Interest or concern. When used in romantic contexts, it implies a personal interest.
彼は彼女に関心があるようだ。
He seems to have a romantic interest in her.
To have a liking or romantic interest in someone. Casual.
注意 (ちゅうい) means caution or warning. Using it to mean romantic attention would be very unnatural. Use 関心 (かんしん) or 気がある (きがある) instead.
注意 (ちゅうい) is about mental alertness or caution. 注目 (ちゅうもく) is about visual focus or public attention. You pay 注意 to a warning, but you give 注目 to a performance.
That red dress really stands out (draws attention).
Proper medical attention is necessary.
That girl seems to have a thing for you.