警告
keikoku[ke̞ːko̞kɯ̟]
The Japanese word for "warning" is 警告 (keikoku).
警告 is used for official, formal or serious warnings, such as those issued by authorities, computer systems or in legal contexts.
Meaning: something spoken or written that is intended to warn (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 警告 implies a serious or official warning of danger or violation, 注意 is used for more common, everyday cautions or 'notices' to be careful. 注意 carries a milder tone and is used to indicate a general cautionary message or advice. Additionally, 警報 specifically refers to a warning or an alert, often associated with alarms and emergency situations.
How do you pronounce it?
keikoku
Did you know?
- The kanji for 警 contains the radical for 'eye' (目), reflecting the historical concept that to warn or police is to keep a watchful eye on something.
- In Japanese sports, a yellow card is officially called a 警告, but players and commentators often use the English word 'warning' written in katakana as ウォーニング.
- The phrase 警告 can be used as a 'final warning' in Japanese corporate culture, implying that the next step is not another talk but immediate dismissal or severe penalty.
Examples in context
- 何の警告もなかったんだ。There was no warning whatsoever.This sentence shows the use of 警告 to indicate a total lack of warning.Tatoeba #10782537 by bunbuku, translation #238168 by CM
- 彼は我々の警告を無視した。He took no notice of our warning.This sentence shows how someone might ignore a 警告.Tatoeba #115567 by small_snow, translation #288103 by CK
- 私たちの警告を無視して釣りに行くといってきかなかった。He would go fishing in spite of our warning.This sentence illustrates someone ignoring a 警告 before taking an action.Tatoeba #166992 by bunbuku, translation #247510 by CM
- 警告！道路は凍っていますWarning! The road is icy.
- 注意を払って歩いてくださいPlease walk with caution.
- 今すぐ避難してください！警報が発令されましたEvacuate immediately! A warning has been issued.
- 危険だからやめたほうがいいよIt's dangerous, so it's better to stop.
- あの場所には警戒が必要だよYou need to be cautious in that area.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a construction site near a road.
- 大翔 Hirotoあそこに警告の看板があるよ。Asoko ni keikoku no kanban ga aru yo.There is a warning sign over there.
- 結衣 Yui本当だ。近づかないようにしよう。Hontou da. Chikazukanai you ni shiyou.You're right. Let's not go near it.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣、足元に気をつけて。Yui, ashimoto ni ki o tsukete.Yui, watch your step.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、大翔。Arigatou, Haruto.Thanks, Haruto.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “warning” translations and entries 警告, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
