Translation guide
How to express the idea of doing something carefully, with awareness of potential danger or risk, in Japanese.
To do something carefully, paying attention to avoid mistakes or danger.
The most common and versatile way to say 'with caution' or 'carefully'. It comes from the noun 注意 (caution/attention) and the verb する (to do).
ガラスを注意して運んでください。
Please carry the glass with caution.
彼は注意して運転した。
He drove with caution.
To advise someone to be careful or to warn them about something.
The most common phrase for 'be careful' or 'take care'. Used in everyday conversation.
車に気をつけてください。
Please be careful of the cars.
足元に気をつけて。
Watch your step. (lit. Be careful of your feet.)
To approach something with doubt or not fully trusting it.
Means 'with vigilance' or 'on guard', often used when there is a perceived threat.
彼らは警戒して周りを見回した。
They looked around with caution.
注意して is the most general 'carefully'. 慎重に implies careful judgment and prudence, often in decision-making. 用心して is about being on guard against danger, often for personal safety.
注意して書類を確認した。
I checked the documents carefully.
慎重に投資先を選んだ。
I chose the investment destination with caution (prudence).
用心して鍵をかけた。
I locked the door with caution (against burglars).
Means 'carefully' or 'prudently', often used when careful judgment is needed. Slightly more formal than 注意して.
慎重に計画を進めましょう。
Let's proceed with the plan with caution.
Implies being on guard against potential danger or trouble. Often used for personal safety.
夜道は用心して歩いてください。
Please walk with caution on the streets at night.
A polite and formal way to say 'please be careful' or 'please pay attention'. Often used in announcements or signs.
足元にご注意ください。
Please watch your step. (formal)
Literally 'doubting', used when you are skeptical about something.
彼の話を疑って聞いた。
I listened to his story with caution (skepticism).