Translation guide
How to express 'be aware of' in Japanese, covering general awareness, noticing, knowledge, and caution.
Expressing that you know about or are conscious of a fact, situation, or presence.
The most common way to say you are aware of a fact or information. Literally 'I know'. Use ～を知っている for 'I am aware of ~'.
I am well aware of him.
Are you aware of that problem?
Emphasizes noticing or being conscious of something, often something not obvious. 'I am aware (have noticed) that...'
He wasn't aware of the danger.
Formal, often used for recognizing or acknowledging a situation, problem, or fact. Common in business or official contexts.
We are aware of the risk.
Very formal, often used to acknowledge awareness of a situation or someone's feelings, sometimes with a nuance of consent.
We are aware that we are causing you inconvenience.
Expressing that you are careful about or pay attention to something, often to avoid problems.
To be careful of, pay attention to. Often used for warnings or advice. 'Be aware of pickpockets' etc.
Please be aware of pickpockets.
Be aware of cars.
More casual than 注意する, very common in daily speech. 'Be careful of / watch out for'.
To be on guard against, be wary of. Slightly stronger than 注意する, often for potential danger.
Be aware of fire hazards.
Expressing sensory or spatial awareness, noticing something in the environment.
Do not directly translate 'be aware of' as 〜を意識している in most cases. 意識する often means 'to be conscious of' in a psychological or self-conscious sense, not general awareness.
He is self-conscious about his weight. (Not 'aware of his weight' in a general sense.)
足元に気をつけて。
Be aware of your step.