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 ~'.
彼のことはよく知っています。
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...'
彼は危険に気づいていなかった。
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.
我々はそのリスクを認識しています。
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.
ご不便をおかけしていることは承知しております。
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.
スリに注意してください。
Please be aware of pickpockets.
車に注意しなさい。
Be aware of cars.
More casual than 注意する, very common in daily speech. 'Be careful of / watch out for'.
足元に気をつけて。
Be aware of your step.
To be on guard against, be wary of. Slightly stronger than 注意する, often for potential danger.
火の用心。
Be aware of fire hazards.
Expressing sensory or spatial awareness, noticing something in the environment.
To sense a presence or sign of something. 'I was aware of someone behind me.'
誰かの気配を感じた。
I became aware of someone's presence.
To sense or detect, often used for danger or subtle changes. More formal.
彼は危険を察知した。
He became aware of the danger.
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.
彼は自分の体重を意識している。
He is self-conscious about his weight. (Not 'aware of his weight' in a general sense.)