What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 気をつけてください literally means "please attach your attention/spirit to the matter". It is composed of 気 (spirit/attention), を (object marker), つけて (attaching/fixing) and ください (please).
Which one should you use?
While 気をつけてください is a standard polite form, お気をつけください is a more polite version that uses the honorific prefix お and a more formal structure, making it suitable for customers or superiors. Additionally, ご注意ください is a formal way to say "please be careful" and ご注意をお願いいたします is an even more formal and elaborate version of that same expression.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can make the phrase an informal command or request used with friends and family by dropping the ください at the end, leaving just 気をつけて.
How do you pronounce it?
ki o tsukete kudasai
When do people say it?
As noted in its usage, Japanese speakers often use this phrase as a way to say "take care" when seeing someone off or when they are departing for a trip.
Did you know?
- The character 気 in 気をつけてください refers to 'ki', a concept of internal energy or life force. By saying this, you are essentially telling someone to keep their energy focused and centered to avoid accidents.
- While English uses 'care' to mean both 'caution' and 'affection', Japanese separates these. To show affection or care for someone's well-being, you would use words related to 思いやり (omoi-yari) rather than the 気 (ki) used in 'be careful'.
- While 気をつけて is used for safety, Japanese speakers use 気をつけて to warn someone about social faux pas or avoiding an awkward situation, not just physical danger.
Examples in context
- 気をつけてください。Please be careful.This sentence is useful for practicing the standard polite form 気をつけてください.Tatoeba #7558356 by Ninja, translation #2047599 by CK
- 出かけるときは、ドアに鍵をかけるのを忘れないように気をつけてください。Please be careful not to forget to lock the door when you go out.This sentence shows how to use 気をつけてください when giving specific advice about a task.Tatoeba #234011 by KK_kaku_, translation #71384 by CK
- 犬が外へ出ないように気をつけてください。Please be careful not to let the dog outside.This sentence demonstrates using 気をつけてください to provide instructions regarding an animal.Tatoeba #175361 by Blanka_Meduzo, translation #4811871 by CK
- 先生、お仕事の時はご注意ください。Teacher, please be careful when working.
- 旅行中は気をつけてね。Take care during your trip.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui is seeing Daiki off as he leaves for a trip.
- 結衣 Yuiいい旅になりますように。気をつけてください。Ii tabi ni narimasu you ni. Ki o tsukete kudasai.I hope you have a great trip. Please be careful.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう。また連絡するよ。Arigatou. Mata renraku suru yo.Thanks. I'll be in touch again.
- 結衣 Yuiうん。車に気をつけてくださいね。Un. Kuruma ni ki o tsukete kudasai ne.Yeah. Please be careful with the car.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかった。じゃあ、行ってくるね。Wakatta. Jaa, itte kuru ne.Got it. Well, I'm off now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
