Translation guide
The English word 'careful' covers several related ideas: being cautious to avoid danger or mistakes, paying close attention to detail, and handling things with care. Japanese expresses these with different words and phrases depending on the nuance.
彼は注意深い人です。
He is a careful person.
Expressing that someone is careful in order to prevent accidents, errors, or negative outcomes.
An adjective meaning 'careful' in the sense of being attentive and cautious. Often used to describe a person's character or actions.
彼はとても注意深い運転手だ。
He is a very careful driver.
注意深く計画を立てた。
I made the plan carefully.
Emphasizes being wary or on guard against potential danger. Slightly more about vigilance than general carefulness.
用心深い人は夜道を一人で歩かない。
A careful person doesn't walk alone at night.
A very common verb phrase meaning 'to be careful' or 'to take care'. Used in warnings and advice.
車に気をつけてください。
Please be careful of cars.
言葉遣いに気をつけなさい。
Be careful with your language.
Means 'to be careful' or 'to pay attention to'. Often used in instructions or when warning someone.
足元に注意してください。
Please watch your step.
Describing careful work, examination, or consideration where precision matters.
A na-adjective meaning 'careful' in the sense of being meticulous, polite, and thorough. Often used for work or service.
彼女は仕事が丁寧だ。
She is careful in her work.
丁寧に説明してください。
Please explain carefully.
A na-adjective meaning 'careful' or 'prudent', often used when making decisions or handling delicate matters.
Means 'meticulous' or 'scrupulous'. Often used in the phrase 細心の注意 (scrupulous care).
Telling someone to be careful with fragile or important items.
Literally 'handle with care/importance'. Used for objects that are fragile or valuable.
この花瓶は大切に扱ってください。
Please be careful with this vase.
Means 'handle gently/carefully'. Similar to 大切に扱う but emphasizes gentle handling.
本を丁寧に扱いなさい。
Be careful with the books.
注意深い is general carefulness and attentiveness, while 用心深い implies wariness or caution against potential threats. 用心深い is often used for personal safety or suspicious situations.
The English phrase 'Be careful!' is often translated as 気をつけて (ki o tsukete) rather than a direct adjective. Using 注意深い directly as a command is unnatural.
慎重に検討します。
We will consider it carefully.
細心の注意を払って作業した。
I worked with the utmost care.