Translation guide
How to tell someone to be careful about what they say, in various levels of politeness and context.
The speaker is cautioning the listener that their current or future words could cause trouble, offense, or reveal too much.
A common, direct way to say 'be careful with your words.' Suitable for friends, family, or when giving a straightforward warning.
彼は怒りっぽいから、言葉に気をつけて。
He gets angry easily, so watch what you say.
A stronger, more formal warning meaning 'restrain your speech' or 'hold your tongue.' Often used when someone is being too outspoken or disrespectful.
目上の人に対しては口を慎んでください。
Please watch your mouth when speaking to your superiors.
A more formal phrase meaning 'be careful with your remarks.' Suitable for workplace or public settings.
会議では発言に注意してください。
Please be mindful of your remarks during the meeting.
Literally 'think about what you say.' Sounds like a parent scolding a child. Very direct and somewhat condescending if used with adults.
そんな失礼なことを言う前に、言うことを考えなさい。
Before you say something so rude, think about what you're saying.
The speaker is advising the listener to be diplomatic, tactful, or careful with phrasing to avoid misunderstanding or conflict.
Means 'choose your words.' Implies the listener should be tactful. Common in both casual and formal advice.
彼女は傷つきやすいから、言葉を選んで話してね。
She's sensitive, so choose your words carefully when you talk to her.
Focuses on 'how you say it' rather than just the words. Useful when tone or phrasing is the issue.
同じ内容でも言い方に気をつければ印象が変わるよ。
Even with the same content, if you're careful with how you say it, the impression changes.
Means 'speak cautiously.' Very formal, often used in business or political contexts.
この問題については慎重に発言してください。
Please speak cautiously regarding this issue.
The speaker is giving general advice to reflect before saying something, often to avoid regret or foolishness.
A natural, everyday way to say 'think carefully before you speak.'
大事なことだから、よく考えてから言ってね。
It's important, so think carefully before you say it.
A proverb meaning 'the mouth is the source of misfortune.' Used to warn that careless words can lead to trouble.
口は災いの元だから、発言には気をつけよう。
Careless words can bring trouble, so let's be careful what we say.
「言葉に気をつけて」 is a general, everyday warning. 「口を慎んで」 is much stronger and formal, implying the listener is being rude or out of line. Use the latter only when you need to sharply reprimand someone.
言葉に気をつけてね。
Be careful with your words, okay?
口を慎みなさい。
Hold your tongue.
Do not translate 'consider your words' literally as 「あなたの言葉を考慮しなさい」. It sounds unnatural and robotic. Use the phrases above depending on the nuance you want.