Translation and Meaning of: 注 - chuu

The Japanese word 注 [ちゅう] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries meanings and uses that go beyond the basics. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about this expression, understanding its context and application can be essential to avoid misunderstandings. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of 注, as well as tips for memorizing it correctly.

Many times, 注 appears in everyday situations, such as on product packaging, notices, or even in formal conversations. Knowing how and when to use it can make a difference in your language learning. Let's unravel everything from its kanji to common expressions that include this word, all in a clear and straightforward manner.

Meaning and use of 注 [ちゅう]

The term 注 [ちゅう] means "note," "attention," or "observation" and is often used to draw attention to something important. In Japanese, it appears in contexts such as instructions, warnings, or even in academic texts to indicate an additional explanation. For example, in product manuals, you might find phrases like 注をご確認ください (ちゅうをごかくにんください), which means "please check the note."

Furthermore, 注 can also be used in combination with other kanjis to form more specific words. An example is 注意 [ちゅうい], which means "care" or "caution." This versatility makes the word essential for both everyday conversations and more formal situations.

Origin and writing of the kanji 注

The kanji 注 is composed of the radical 氵(さんずい), which is related to water, and the component 主 (しゅ), which can mean "main" or "master". Originally, this character was associated with the act of pouring liquids, but its meaning has evolved to include the idea of "directing attention", as if "pouring" focus onto something specific.

This connection with water is not so obvious in modern usage, but it helps to understand why 注 carries the notion of "to observe carefully." Studying the etymology of kanji can be a great way to reinforce its meaning, especially if you are learning Japanese through writing.

Tips for memorizing and using 注 correctly

An effective way to remember the meaning of 注 is to associate it with situations where attention is required. For example, in stores or restaurants, you might see signs with 注文 [ちゅうもん], which means "order." This word is used when someone makes a request, reinforcing the idea that 注 is linked to something that deserves focus.

Another tip is to practice with simple phrases, such as 注を払う (ちゅうをはらう), which means "to pay attention." Repeating these expressions in real contexts helps internalize the usage of the word. Additionally, jotting down examples in flashcards or apps like Anki can strengthen your long-term memory.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 記す (Kisuru) - Register, note down.
• 書き込む (Kakikomu) - Write inside, fill.
• 入力する (Nyūryoku suru) - Insert data, type.
• 手続きする (Tetsuzuki suru) - Execute procedures, process.
• 登録する (Tōroku suru) - Register, officially enroll.

注

Romaji: chuu
Kana: ちゅう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: annotation; explanatory note

Meaning in English: annotation;explanatory note

Definition: A note or explanation about something.

Example Sentences - (注) chuu

See below some example sentences:

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."

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.

お湯を注ぐ。

Oyu wo sosogu

Pour hot water.

Pour hot water.

• お湯 - hot water
• を - object particle
• 注ぐ - pour, spill

カップにお茶を注ぎます。

Kappu ni ocha wo sosogimasu

I pour tea in a cup.

Pour the tea into the cup.

• カップ (kappu) - cup
• に (ni) - particle indicating the place where something is placed or where an action takes place
• お茶 (ocha) - tea
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the action
• 注ぎます (sosogimasu) - verb meaning "to pour" or "to put liquid into a container"

彼はお茶に砂糖を注した。

Kare wa ocha ni satou o sosshita

He put sugar in the tea.

He poured sugar into his tea.

• 彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• お茶 - Japanese noun meaning "tea".
• に - Japanese particle that indicates the direction or target of the action.
• 砂糖 - Japanese noun meaning "sugar".
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the action.
• 注した - Japanese verb in the past tense meaning "put" or "added".

注目されることは素晴らしいことです。

Chūmoku sareru koto wa subarashī koto desu

Being noticed is a wonderful thing.

It's great to be noticed.

• 注目されること - "being noticed" or "being recognized"
• は - Topic particle
• 素晴らしいこと - "wonderful thing" or "something excellent"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

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