Translation guide
The English word "notice" covers several distinct actions and states: perceiving something, paying attention, a written announcement, giving formal warning, and the idea of being noticed or overlooked. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To see, hear, or sense something and realize it is there or happening.
The most common way to say you notice something. It implies a realization or becoming aware of something that was already there.
彼が部屋に入ったのに気づかなかった。
I didn't notice him enter the room.
間違いに気づきましたか？
Did you notice the mistake?
Very similar to 気づく, but slightly more formal or emphatic. Often used when noticing something about a situation or someone's feelings.
Literally 'to catch the eye'. Used when something stands out visually and you can't help but notice it.
そのポスターはとても目につく。
That poster really catches your eye (you can't help but notice it).
Formal/literary. Means to recognize or acknowledge the presence of something, often used in written or official contexts.
To deliberately focus your attention on something or someone.
The standard phrase for 'pay attention' or 'take notice of'. Used in both formal and everyday situations.
道路標識に注意を払ってください。
Please pay attention to the road signs.
A piece of paper, poster, or digital message giving information or a warning.
To inform someone officially or formally about something that will happen, especially in work or legal contexts.
To notify or give formal notice. Used for official communications, contracts, and digital notifications.
変更があれば事前に通知します。
We will notify you in advance if there are any changes.
To be seen or recognized by others, or to stand out.
The period of time between announcing a departure and actually leaving a job or contract.
The standard term for a notice period in employment or contracts.
退職の予告期間は1ヶ月です。
The notice period for resignation is one month.
Both mean 'to notice' and are often interchangeable. 気づく is slightly more common in casual speech, while 気がつく can sound a bit more deliberate or formal. In many cases, you can use either.
忘れ物に気づいた / 気がついた。
I noticed I had left something behind.
The katakana word ノーティス is not commonly used in Japanese. Avoid it and use the appropriate Japanese word from this guide instead.
I noticed she was sad.
彼は自分の過ちを認めなかった。
He did not acknowledge (notice/admit) his mistake.
I didn't pay attention to what he said.
To focus one's attention on something, often with interest. Common in news or when something is gaining attention.
その新しい技術が注目されている。
The new technology is attracting notice (attention).
To mind, care about, or take notice of something (often in a worrying sense). Used in negative requests.
人の目を気にしないで。
Don't take notice of what others think.
The most common word for a notice, announcement, or notification. Polite and widely used in daily life, offices, and public spaces.
掲示板にお知らせが貼ってあります。
There is a notice posted on the bulletin board.
休業のお知らせ
Notice of closure
Formal notice or notification, often used for official documents, digital alerts, or legal notices.
スマホに通知が来た。
I got a notification (notice) on my phone.
解雇通知を受け取った。
I received a notice of dismissal.
A notice put up on a board or wall for the public to see. Common in schools, stations, and offices.
掲示をよく読んでください。
Please read the notice carefully.
A paper notice stuck on a wall or window, often handwritten or temporary.
「立ち入り禁止」の張り紙があった。
There was a notice saying 'No Entry'.
to give notice of dismissal
To inform or let someone know. Less formal than 通知する, used in everyday situations.
結果が分かったら知らせてください。
Please let me know (give me notice) when you know the result.
To give formal notice, often with a sense of unilateral declaration, used in legal or serious contexts (e.g., notice of termination, ultimatum).
会社は労働組合にストライキを通告した。
The company gave the union notice of a strike.
To stand out, be conspicuous, or be easily noticed. Often used for appearance or behavior.
彼は背が高くて目立つ。
He stands out (is easily noticed) because he's tall.
目立たないようにしてください。
Try not to be noticed.
To attract public attention or be in the spotlight. Common for celebrities, events, or achievements.
彼女の新作は大きな注目を浴びた。
Her new work attracted a lot of notice.
Passive form of 気づく. To be noticed (by someone).
彼はこっそり抜け出したが、すぐに気づかれた。
He sneaked out but was quickly noticed.
Advance notice of dismissal. Often used in legal/HR contexts.
解雇予告手当
payment in lieu of notice