注意事项
zhùyì shìxiàng
The English word 'caveat' is translated into Mandarin as 注意事项 (zhùyì shìxiàng).
注意事项 is used to express 'caveat', 'precautions' or 'notes'. This term is commonly used in manuals, contracts or instructions to denote precautions or points to be aware of.
Meaning: warning (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, 注意事项 means 'matters needing attention'.
How do you pronounce it?
zhùyì shìxiàng
Did you know?
- The character 项 in 注意事项 refers to an 'item' or 'clause', but it also historically referred to the 'nape of the neck'. This linguistic evolution shows how a physical body part became a term for a listed point in a contract.
- If you were to warn someone about a danger rather than a procedural 'caveat', you would use 小心, which literally translates to 'careful heart'.
- When giving a verbal caveat or warning, Chinese speakers may use the phrase 提醒你 which means 'reminding you'. Unlike the English 'caveat', which can feel like a legal hurdle, 提醒 is often framed as a gesture of kindness or care.
Examples in context
- 在这家餐厅用餐时，小心里面的辣椒。Be cautious of the chili peppers in the dishes when eating at this restaurant.
- 请阅读合同里的注意事项。Qǐng yuèdú hétóng lǐ de zhùyì shìxiàng.Please read the precautions in the contract.
- 这里有一些重要的注意事项。Zhèlǐ yǒu yīxiē zhòngyào de zhùyì shìxiàng.There are some important notes here.
- 出发前请检查注意事项。Chūfā qián qǐng jiǎnchá zhùyì shìxiàng.Please check the precautions before departing.
Example conversation
Jia Yi and Jun Jie are reviewing a travel guide.
- 佳怡 Jiayi俊杰，你看一下这些注意事项。Jùnjié, nǐ kàn yīxià zhèxiē zhùyì shìxiàng.Jun Jie, look at these precautions.
- 俊杰 Junjie好的，这些注意事项很重要。Hǎo de, zhèxiē zhùyì shìxiàng hěn zhòngyào.Okay, these notes are very important.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我们必须严格遵守。Wǒmen bìxū yángé zūnshǒu.We must follow them strictly.
- 俊杰 Junjie我明白了。Wǒ míngbai le.I understand.
