警戒

• Reading: けいかい
• Romaji: keikai
• Kanji breakdown: 警 (kei) — warn, guard, police; 戒 (kai) — commandment, caution, admonish
• Pronunciation: /keː.ka.i/

Meaning

Vigilance; caution; alertness; being on guard against danger.

A する verb meaning to be on guard, to watch out for, or to be wary of something. Used for both physical security and general caution. Common in news reports about weather warnings, police activity, and military contexts. Often paired with する (to be vigilant) or を強める (to heighten alertness).

Examples

1. 台風が近づいているので厳重に警戒してください。 A typhoon is approaching, so please be on high alert.
2. 野生動物が警戒して逃げてしまった。 The wild animal became wary and fled.
3. 不審者への警戒を強めるよう通知が出た。 A notice was issued to heighten alertness against suspicious individuals.

Usage Guide

Context: news, security, weather

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 警 (warn, guard, police) + 戒 (commandment, caution, admonish). Both characters carry the sense of being watchful and careful.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal