attention
/a.tɑ̃.sjɔ̃/
The French word for 'attention' (mental focus) is attention.
The noun attention refers to mental focus. It is also used as a standalone exclamation to warn someone of immediate danger, similar to how an English speaker might say 'watch out' or 'look out'. To express the idea of 'paying attention' or 'being careful,' French uses the verbal phrase faire attention rather than a direct translation of the verb 'to pay'.
Meaning: mental focus (noun)
Which one should you use?
While attention describes mental focus or serves as a warning, it is not used as the command for soldiers to stand at attention. For that specific military command, use garde à vous.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /a.tɑ̃.sjɔ̃/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid the literal translation of the English phrase 'to pay attention' by saying payer attention. Instead, you should use the correct idiomatic construction faire attention.
Did you know?
- The French word attention can be used as a noun to describe a small, thoughtful gift or gesture, such as a petite attention given to a friend.
- If you want to warn someone of danger using slang, you would typically shout fais gaffe instead of the more formal attention.
- The word attention is a loanword taken from the Latin attentiōnem.
Examples in context
- Attention, mes amis !Attention, friends!This is useful for a general exclamation of attention.Tatoeba #10499459 by Micsmithel, translation #10240236 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Ziri a fait attention.Ziri paid attention.This demonstrates the use of the idiom with attention.Tatoeba #11034134 by Amastan, translation #10209373 by Amastan
- Faites bien attention !Pay very close attention.This is a way to tell someone to pay very close attention.Tatoeba #4627927 by sacredceltic, translation #3185831 by CK
- Soyez prudent lorsque vous traversez la ruePlease be careful when crossing the street
- Prenez garde aux escaliers glissantsTake care on the slippery stairs
- Je vous prie de faire attention aux consignes de sécuritéI kindly ask you to pay attention to the safety instructions
- Attention, le sol est glissant!Watch out, the floor is slippery!
- Fais gaffe aux voitures en traversantBe careful of cars when crossing
- Regarde bien les petits détails de cette peinturePay attention to the small details in this painting
- 289 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are studying in a library.
- HugoJ'ai du mal à garder mon attention.I am having trouble maintaining my focus.
- ManonC'est normal, on a travaillé longtemps.That's normal, we have been working for a long time.
- HugoJe vais faire une pause pour retrouver mon attention.I'm going to take a break to get my focus back.
- ManonD'accord, Hugo, on se retrouve dans dix minutes.Okay, Hugo, let's meet back in ten minutes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “attention” translations and entries attention, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries attention, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
