Translation and Meaning of: 注意 - chuui

The Japanese word 注意[ちゅうい] is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "attention" or "care," but it carries nuances that go beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore everything from its origin and writing to everyday use and compound expressions involving this word. If you want to understand how Japanese people truly employ 注意 in their daily lives, keep reading – the Suki Nihongo dictionary has gathered everything you need to know here.

Meaning and origin of 注意

The word 注意 is composed of two kanjis: 注 (chuu), which means "to pour" or "to concentrate," and 意 (i), which represents "mind" or "intention." Together, they convey the idea of "directing the mind towards something," which explains its meaning of "paying attention." This construction well reflects how Japanese often combines abstract concepts to create specific terms.

Unlike more informal words like 気をつけて (ki o tsukete), 注意 has a more neutral tone and can be used in both public warnings and everyday conversations. An interesting fact is that it frequently appears on warning signs, instruction manuals, and even official announcements, demonstrating its practical utility.

How and when to use 注意 in everyday Japanese

In daily life, the Japanese use 注意 both as a noun and as a verb (注意する – chuui suru). You might hear phrases like "階段に注意してください" (please pay attention to the stairs) at train stations or "健康に注意する" (take care of your health) in informal conversations. The word is versatile but always retains the notion of alertness or caution.

It is worth noting that 注意 is not used to get someone’s attention in the sense of "look at me." In these cases, expressions like ちょっと (chotto) or すみません (sumimasen) are more suitable. This distinction is important to avoid misunderstandings, especially for language learners.

Tips for memorizing and curiosities about 注意

An effective way to memorize 注意 is to associate its kanjis with concrete situations. For example, imagine "concentrating (注) your mind (意)" when you see a warning sign. This visual method helps to solidify not only the writing but also the deep meaning of the word.

Interestingly, 注意 appears in various useful compounds, such as 注意深い (chuui bukai – careful) and 注意事項 (chuui jikou – important points). Learning these variations can significantly expand your vocabulary. According to the digital dictionary Jisho.org, this is one of the 3,000 most frequently used words in modern Japanese, which proves its utility.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 注意点 (Chūiten) - Points to be noted
• 警告 (Keikoku) - Warning or notice about something that may cause a problem
• 注意喚起 (Chūi kanki) - Alert or call attention to something important
• 注意深く (Chūibukaku) - Com atenção, de forma cuidadosa
• 注意する (Chūi suru) - Pay attention or be careful
• 警戒 (Keikai) - Care or vigilance against potential dangers
• 注意書き (Chūi gaki) - Written notice or warning
• 警告する (Keikoku suru) - Warn or notify about a danger
• 警戒する (Keikai suru) - Be in a state of alert, watch out for threats.
• 注意喚起する (Chūi kanki suru) - Make an alert or call to attention

注意

Romaji: chuui
Kana: ちゅうい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: caution; Be careful; attention (provision of care); Notice; advice

Meaning in English: caution;being careful;attention (heed);warning;advice

Definition: Pay close attention to things.

Example Sentences - (注意) chuui

See below some example sentences:

カーブを曲がる前には注意が必要です。

Kābu wo magaru mae ni wa chūi ga hitsuyō desu

Before making a turn

Be careful before turning the curve.

• カーブ - curve
• を - object particle
• 曲がる - turn, fold
• 前に - before
• は - Topic particle
• 注意が必要です - It is necessary to be careful.

間違いを犯さないように注意してください。

Machigai wo okasanai you ni chuui shite kudasai

Please be careful not to make mistakes.

Be careful not to make mistakes.

• 間違い (Machigai) - error
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the object of the sentence
• 犯さない (okasanai) - don't commit
• ように (youni) - Expression that indicates a purpose or objective
• 注意 (chuui) - Attention
• してください (shite kudasai) - Please, do it.

許容範囲を超えないように注意してください。

Kyoyou han'i wo koenai you ni chuui shite kudasai

Please be careful not to exceed the allowable range.

Be careful not to exceed the tolerance.

• 許容範囲 - tolerance limit
• を - object particle
• 超えない - not to exceed
• ように - for what
• 注意してください - please pay attention

誤りを犯さないように注意してください。

Machigai wo okasanai you ni chuui shite kudasai

Please be careful not to make mistakes.

Be careful not to make a mistake.

• 誤り (Ayamari) - error
• を (wo) - object particle
• 犯さない (okasanai) - don't commit
• ように (youni) - for what
• 注意してください (chuui shite kudasai) - please pay attention

見落とさないように注意してください。

Miwotosanai yō ni chūi shite kudasai

Please pay attention not to lose sight of.

Be careful not to ignore it.

• 見落とさない - keep in mind
• ように - for what
• 注意して - pay attention
• ください - Please

薬品は注意して扱ってください。

Yakuhin wa chūi shite atsukatte kudasai

Please handle chemicals carefully.

Please be careful with chemicals.

• 薬品 - Noun meaning "chemical" or "medicine".
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "chemical product".
• 注意して - Verb "注意する" (pay attention, be careful) in the gerund, indicating the action of paying attention.
• 扱って - Verb "扱う" (handle, deal with) in the gerund, indicating the action of dealing with the chemical product.
• ください - Verb "くださる" (give, offer) in the imperative, indicating a request for the person to do something, in this case, to be careful when dealing with the chemical.

注意してください。

Chūi shite kudasai

Please pay attention.

be careful.

• 注意してください

- ul - HTML tag to create an unordered list. - li - HTML tag to create a list item. - 注意してください - text that will be displayed as a list item.

周囲を注意深く見て行動してください。

Shuui wo chuuibukaku mite koudou shite kudasai

Please observe carefully around and act.

Please take care of the environment.

• 周囲 - means "around" or "surrounding".
• を - object particle.
• 注意深く - means "with attention" or "carefully."
• 見て - verb form of the verb "to look" or "to observe".
• 行動して - verb form of the verb "to act" or "to behave".
• ください - verb form of the verb "to give" or "to offer".

厳重に注意してください。

Ganjuu ni chuui shite kudasai

Please pay close attention.

Please be careful.

• 厳重 (genjuu) - means "rigorous" or "strict"
• に (ni) - a particle indicating action or direction
• 注意 (chuui) - means "attention" or "care"
• してください (shite kudasai) - an expression meaning "please do"

交差点には注意してください。

Kousaten ni wa chuui shite kudasai

Please pay attention at the intersection.

Be careful with the intersection.

• 交差点 - means "crossing" in Japanese.
• に - is a particle that indicates the location of the object of the sentence, in this case, the intersection.
• は - is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, the attention warning.
• 注意 - means "attention" in Japanese.
• してください - is an expression that means "please do" or "please pay attention."