Translation guide
How to express caution in Japanese, from warning someone to being careful yourself.
You want to alert someone to immediate danger or a risky situation.
The most common and direct way to shout 'Watch out!' or 'It's dangerous!' in an urgent situation.
Watch out! A car is coming!
A general 'be careful' or 'take care'. Used for less immediate dangers or as a parting phrase.
Please watch your step.
A noun meaning 'caution' or 'warning'. Often used on signs or in formal warnings.
You want to tell someone to be careful in a non-urgent situation, like giving advice.
The standard verb phrase for 'to be careful'. Can be used in various forms.
I need to be more careful.
Be careful with your words.
Means 'caution' or 'precaution', often against potential harm or crime.
Means 'to be on guard' or 'to be vigilant', used for serious threats like natural disasters or security.
Please be on alert for the typhoon.
You want to refer to an official caution or reprimand.
You want to say that you are being cautious or careful about something.
気をつける is the most common way to say 'be careful' in daily life. 注意する is more formal and often implies a warning or calling attention to something specific, like a sign or rule.
Watch your step. (casual)
Please watch your step. (formal sign)
Shouting 注意！ at someone is unnatural. Use 危ない！ for immediate danger or 気をつけて！ for a general warning.
気をつけて帰ってね。
Take care on your way home.
取り扱い注意
Handle with care.
火の用心
Be careful with fire.
The meteorological agency issued a cautionary advisory.
An adjective meaning 'cautious' or 'wary' as a personality trait.
He is a cautious person.