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.
I didn't notice.
Did you notice?
Please read the notice.
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.
I didn't notice him enter the room.
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.
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.
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.
To be seen or recognized by others, or to stand out.
To stand out, be conspicuous, or be easily noticed. Often used for appearance or behavior.
The period of time between announcing a departure and actually leaving a job or contract.
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.
I noticed I had left something behind.
Did you notice the mistake?
彼女が悲しんでいることに気がついた。
I noticed she was sad.
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).
彼は自分の過ちを認めなかった。
He did not acknowledge (notice/admit) his mistake.
Please pay attention to the road signs.
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.
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.
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.
There is a notice posted on the bulletin board.
Notice of closure
Formal notice or notification, often used for official documents, digital alerts, or legal notices.
I got a notification (notice) on my phone.
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.
Please read the notice carefully.
A paper notice stuck on a wall or window, often handwritten or temporary.
There was a notice saying 'No Entry'.
We will notify you in advance if there are any changes.
to give notice of dismissal
To inform or let someone know. Less formal than 通知する, used in everyday situations.
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).
The company gave the union notice of a strike.
He stands out (is easily noticed) because he's tall.
Try not to be noticed.
To attract public attention or be in the spotlight. Common for celebrities, events, or achievements.
Her new work attracted a lot of notice.
Passive form of 気づく. To be noticed (by someone).
He sneaked out but was quickly noticed.
The notice period for resignation is one month.
Advance notice of dismissal. Often used in legal/HR contexts.
payment in lieu of notice
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.