Translation guide
How to express noticing, paying attention to, or acknowledging something or someone in Japanese, depending on the nuance.
To perceive or realize something, often visually or through other senses.
To actively give attention, consideration, or importance to something, such as advice, warnings, or details.
Means 'to pay attention' or 'to give heed'. Used for careful attention to details, safety, or instructions.
道路を渡るときは車に注意を払ってください。
Please take notice of cars when crossing the street.
To show that you have noticed someone's presence, achievements, or existence, often in a social or formal context.
気づく is for passive noticing (becoming aware), while 注意を払う is for active, deliberate attention. Use 気づく when you realize something without effort, and 注意を払う when you consciously focus on something.
彼の変化に気づいた。
I noticed his change.
細部に注意を払った。
I paid attention to the details.
Avoid directly translating 'take notice of' as '通知を取る' or similar. These are unnatural. Use the appropriate Japanese expression based on the nuance: noticing, paying attention, or acknowledging.
The most common and natural way to say 'notice' or 'realize' something. Used for both physical noticing and mental realization.
彼が部屋に入ったことに気づかなかった。
I didn't notice that he entered the room.
間違いに気づいたら教えてください。
Please let me know if you notice any mistakes.
Synonymous with 気づく, but slightly more deliberate or conscious. Often used when someone becomes aware after some thought.
彼女の気持ちにやっと気がついた。
I finally took notice of her feelings.
Literally 'to stop one's eyes on', meaning to notice something visually and pay attention to it. More literary or formal.
彼は新聞の小さな記事に目を留めた。
He took notice of a small article in the newspaper.
彼の警告に注意を払うべきだった。
I should have taken notice of his warning.
Formal term meaning 'to bear in mind' or 'to take note of'. Used in business or official contexts.
この点に留意して作業を進めてください。
Please proceed with the work taking notice of this point.
Literally 'to incline one's ear', meaning to listen attentively or take notice of someone's words. Often used for advice or opinions.
彼の忠告に耳を傾けるべきだ。
You should take notice of his advice.
Means 'to recognize', 'acknowledge', or 'admit'. Used when officially or personally taking notice of someone's efforts, status, or existence.
彼の功績を認めて昇進させた。
They took notice of his achievements and promoted him.
彼女は私の存在を認めようとしなかった。
She wouldn't take notice of my presence.
Means 'to pay attention' or 'to take notice' in the sense of focusing public or personal attention on something noteworthy.
その新しい技術は世界中から注目されている。
The new technology is being taken notice of around the world.
Formal term meaning 'to focus on' or 'to take notice of' a particular point or aspect, often in analysis or research.
この問題に着目して研究を進めた。
We proceeded with research taking notice of this problem.