Word
Kana: ちゅうい Romaji: chuui Level: N4

注意

Meaning in English

attention, caution, warning

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Word context

What it means

Attention or caution; 注意 denotes the act of paying attention, being careful to avoid danger, and noticing or heeding information, signals, or instructions in daily life.

Main meanings

  • 1) Notice or heed in everyday tasks and communication, prompting focus or mindfulness.
  • 2) Caution or warning about potential danger or risk in safety contexts.
  • 3) A sign or instruction indicating a required action or awareness.

How to use it

Used as a noun to denote the act of paying attention or being cautious; with the verb する to form 注意する, it can mean to pay attention or to take care in formal and informal contexts; in signage and manuals, 注意 signals warnings or required caution.

Variants and close terms

  • 警戒 (keikai) — caution or alertness
  • 気をつける (ki o tsukeru) — to be careful
  • 注視 (chūshi) — close watching
  • 注目 (chūmoku) — attention or notice

Composition

  • 注: to note, to observe; to pay attention; often used when signaling or introducing information
  • 意: mind, intention, meaning

Origin

Borrowed from Chinese zhùyì; the Sino-Japanese compound appeared in classical Japanese writings and became common in modern usage, where it covers both general attention and safety warnings.

Word class

noun (名詞); can be turned into a verb by adding suru: 注意する

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