attention
/a.tɑ̃.sjɔ̃/
The French phrase for "heads up" is attention.
The word 'attention' is used as an interjection to warn someone of immediate physical danger, such as an object falling or a vehicle approaching.
Meaning: warning (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /a.tɑ̃.sjɔ̃/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to translate the idiomatic 'heads up' (meaning a prior warning or information) literally, but in French, 'attention' is specifically for immediate physical alerts.
Did you know?
- In a classroom or formal setting, a teacher might say attention not to warn of danger, but to signal that students should listen closely to an important point.
- While 'attention' warns of physical danger, if you want to give someone a 'heads up' in the sense of providing advance information, you should use the phrase je te préviens or pour info.
- The word attention was borrowed from the Latin word attentiōnem.
Examples in context
- Attention !Heads up!Tatoeba #14218 by gillux, translation #3298853 by Theocracy
- Avant de traverser la rue, fais gaffe aux voitures.Before crossing the street, be careful of the cars.
- Attention, le sol est glissant.Watch out, the floor is slippery.
- Faites attention en traversant la rue.Pay attention when crossing the street.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are walking in a park.
- HugoAttention, il y a un gros chien qui arrive !Watch out, a big dog is coming!
- ManonOh, merci Hugo, j'ai failli tomber.Oh, thanks Hugo, I almost fell.
- HugoEst-ce que tu vas bien ?Are you okay?
- ManonOui, je vais bien, merci.Yes, I am fine, thanks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 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.
