осторожно
ostoróžno[ɐstɐˈroʐnə]
In Russian, the English word "caution" can be expressed through several forms, most commonly using the adverb осторожно (ostoróžno).
The word осторожно is an adverb meaning "carefully" and is used to describe how an action is performed. When used as a standalone exclamation, Осторожно! serves as an interjection to warn someone of immediate danger, much like saying "Watch out!" or "Careful!" in English.
Meaning: careful attention, prudence (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the adverb осторожно, which means "carefully," and the noun осторожность, which refers to the abstract concept of "caution" or "prudence."
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form осторожно functions as an adverb to describe an action. For the abstract concept of caution itself, use the noun осторожность.
How do you pronounce it?
ostoróžno
Did you know?
- If you are walking through a city and see a warning sign, it will likely say Внимание rather than Осторожно. In public signage, 'Attention' is the preferred way to command caution.
- If you want to tell someone to be careful with a delicate object, like a piece of china, avoid saying осторожно and use аккуратно instead. The latter implies 'neatness' and 'precision' rather than just avoiding danger.
- The word осторожно is linguistically a sibling to the word сторона, which means 'side'. This suggests that being cautious originally meant keeping a watchful eye on one's 'sides' or surroundings.
Examples in context
- Пожалуйста, идите вперёд осторожно.Please proceed with caution.This sentence shows how to use осторожно to describe proceeding with caution.Tatoeba #6551415 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #5641554 by CK
- Осторожность – это старшая дочь мудрости.Caution is the eldest daughter of wisdom.This sentence uses the concept of caution in a metaphorical sense.Tatoeba #11404613 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #3382097 by Scott
- Мы должны действовать с величайшей осторожностью.We should proceed with great caution.This sentence demonstrates using the concept of caution within a formal sentence structure.Tatoeba #4287069 by marafon, translation #3593248 by Hybrid
- Осторо́жно, у вас под нога́ми лёд.Caution, there is ice beneath your feet.
- Будьте внима́тельны, э́то о́пасно.Caution, this is dangerous.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria is warning Sergey about a slippery floor.
- Мария MariaСергей, иди осторожно, здесь скользко!Sergey, idi ostorozhno, zdes' skol'zko!Sergey, walk carefully, it's slippery here!
- Сергей SergeyСпасибо, Мария, я заметил.Spasibo, Mariya, ya zametil.Thanks, Maria, I noticed.
- Мария MariaПожалуйста, будь осторожно с этой дверью.Pozhaluysta, bud' ostorozhno s etoy dver'yu.Please, be cautious with this door.
- Сергей SergeyХорошо, я буду внимателен.Khorosho, ya budu vnimatelen.Okay, I will be attentive.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry осторожно, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
