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:

中毒にならないように注意してください。

Chūdoku ni naranai yō ni chūi shite kudasai

Please be careful not to be poisoned.

Be careful not to be addicted.

• 中毒 - means "poisoning" or "toxicity".
• に - particle indicating action or the state in which something is.
• ならない - negative form of the verb "naru", which means "to become". In this case, it indicates that something will not become something.
• ように - expression that indicates the purpose or objective of an action. In this case, it indicates that the action is to avoid something.
• 注意 - means "to pay attention" or "to be careful".
• してください - an expression that indicates a polite request. In this case, it indicates that the person is asking someone else to be careful.

この商品の取り扱いには十分注意してください。

Kono shouhin no toriatsukai ni wa juubun chuui shite kudasai

Please be careful enough when handling this product.

Be careful when handling this product.

• この商品 - This product
• の - Possessive particle
• 取り扱い - Handling
• には - Particle that indicates focus or attention
• 十分 - Sufficient
• 注意 - Attention
• してください - Please, do it.

怪我をしないように気をつけてください。

Ki ga tsukete kudasai

Please be careful not to get hurt.

Be careful not to get hurt.

• 怪我 - injury
• を - object particle
• しない - negation of the verb "to do"
• ように - expression that indicates purpose or goal
• 気をつけて - verb "to be careful"
• ください - verb "to give", used as polite request