気を付けて
ki o tsukete
The English phrase "pay attention" can be translated into Japanese as 気を付けて (ki o tsukete).
気を付けて is used as a warning to tell someone to be careful to avoid danger or a mistake.
How do you pronounce it?
ki o tsukete
Did you know?
- The phrase 気を付けて literally translates to 'attach your spirit' or 'fix your mind'.
- When leaving a house, it is common to say 気を付けて to the person departing, even if they are simply going to a shop. It functions as a way to wish them a safe journey.
- Japanese has another phrase, 注意して, which also means 'pay attention'. While 気を付けて focuses on safety, 注意して is used more for focusing one's mind or paying attention to a detail in a lesson.
Examples in context
- ご注意ください。今日の会議では重要な内容が話されます。Please pay attention. Important matters will be discussed during today's meeting.
- ご注目ください。この部分が重要です。Please pay attention. This part is important.
- 注意してね！これから話すこと、大切だからね。Pay attention! What I'm about to say is important, you know.
- ちゃんと聞いてよ！これからの説明、とても重要なんだから。Listen carefully! The explanation that follows is very important, you know.
- 階段を降りる時は気を付けて。Kaidan o oriru toki wa ki o tsukete.Be careful when you go down the stairs.
- 夜道は気を付けてください。Yomichi wa ki o tsukete kudasai.Please be careful on the road at night.
- 車が来ているから、気を付けて！Kuruma ga kite iru kara, ki o tsukete!A car is coming, so watch out!
Example conversation
A father is seeing his daughter off as she heads out.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、一人で歩く時は気を付けてね。Misaki, hitori de aruku toki wa ki o tsukete ne.Misaki, be careful when you walk alone.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、大丈夫だよ。行ってくるね！Un, daijoubu da yo. Itte kuru ne!Yeah, I'll be fine. I'm off!
- 大翔 Hiroto車には本当に気を付けて。Kuruma ni wa hontou ni ki o tsukete.Really, watch out for the cars.
- 美咲 Misakiわかってるよ、お父さん。Wakatteru yo, otousan.I know, Dad.
