uważaj
In Polish, 'be careful' is expressed as uważaj.
The phrase is a warning used to tell someone to pay attention to avoid danger or a mistake. While it is commonly used as a warning in dangerous situations, it is also the standard way to tell someone to 'pay attention' or 'focus' in a general sense.
Which one should you use?
The term uważaj can mean both 'be careful' and 'pay attention'. If you wish to tell someone to 'do something carefully' (for example, 'drive carefully'), you should use the adverb ostrożnie instead of the verb uważaj.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are warning a group of people, use the plural form uważajcie instead of the singular uważaj. When you want to say 'be careful of [something]', you must follow the verb with the preposition 'na' and the accusative case, forming the structure uważaj na.
Did you know?
- The phrase uważaj na siebie is the standard way to say 'take care' when saying goodbye. While it literally translates to 'be careful of yourself', it is used as a warm and affectionate parting wish.
- The adverb ostrożnie is derived from a root meaning 'sharp'. This implies that being careful is a state of being 'sharp' or 'keen' to avoid a mistake.
- The word uwaga is used as a standalone shout to warn people of immediate danger. It is the root of uważaj and functions like the English shout 'look out'.
Examples in context
- Uważaj! Podłoga jest mokra.Be careful! The floor is wet.This sentence is useful for a warning about a wet floor using uważaj.Tatoeba #4917247 by kleklekle, translation #682407 by Source_VOA
- Ale uważaj czego sobie życzysz.But be careful what you wish for.This sentence demonstrates a warning about consequences using uważaj.Tatoeba #6304159 by arie, translation #6302404 by OsoHombre
- Uważaj! Zupa jest bardzo gorąca!Be careful. The soup's very hot.This sentence is useful for a warning about hot food using uważaj.Tatoeba #3496363 by nusia2302, translation #2261539 by _undertoad
- Proszę uważać, szczególnie przy obsłudze delikatnego sprzętu!Please be careful, especially when handling delicate equipment!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Paweł are walking through a park with many puddles.
- AnnaUważaj, tutaj jest bardzo ślisko!Be careful, it's very slippery here!
- PawełDzięki, że mnie ostrzegasz.Thanks for warning me.
- AnnaUważaj też na ten głęboki kałużę.Be careful of that deep puddle too.
- PawełDobrze, będę uważał.Okay, I will be careful.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
