気をつけて
ki o tsukete
The English phrase "watch out" is translated into Japanese as 気をつけて (ki o tsukete).
The phrase is used to tell someone to proceed with caution.
Meaning: proceed with caution (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means to "pay attention to/be careful with (one's) spirit/energy". It is composed of ki (spirit/mind/attention) and tsukete (to attach/direct).
Which one should you use?
While 気をつけて is a general warning to be careful, 危ない！ is a sudden, urgent exclamation used when immediate physical danger is present, which translates to "Dangerous!"
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding ください to the end makes the command more polite and suitable for speaking to strangers or superiors, forming 気をつけてください.
How do you pronounce it?
ki o tsukete
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the phrase 気をつけてください can be used as a warm way to say 'have a safe trip' when someone is leaving your house. It is a standard parting sentiment, not just a warning of danger.
- The word 気 (ki) in 気をつけて refers to the same 'energy' or 'spirit' found in the English word 'qi' or 'chi' in martial arts. To be careful is literally to direct your vital energy toward a certain point.
- Japanese has a related phrase 気を遣う (ki o tsukau) which means to 'use' one's energy to anticipate the needs of others, a core part of Japanese hospitality.
Examples in context
- 気をつけて！Watch out!This sentence is useful for a direct warning.Tatoeba #1266928 by bunbuku, translation #375828 by megamanenm
- スリに気をつけて。Watch out for pickpockets.This sentence is useful for warning about pickpockets.Tatoeba #214116 by small_snow, translation #5378111 by Zurich899
- 車に気をつけてね。Watch out for cars.This sentence is useful for warning about cars.Tatoeba #11041729 by small_snow, translation #11041727 by CK
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are walking on a slippery road.
- 美咲 Misakiここ、滑りやすいから気をつけて。Koko, suberiyasui kara ki o tsukete.It's slippery here, so watch out.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう。本当に危ないね。Arigatou. Hontou ni abunai ne.Thanks. It really is dangerous.
- 美咲 Misaki足元に気をつけて歩いてね。Ashimoto ni ki o tsukete aruite ne.Watch your step while you walk.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかった。気をつけるよ。Wakatta. Ki o tsukeru yo.Got it. I'll be careful.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
