注意

• Reading: ちゅうい
• Romaji: chuui
• Kanji breakdown: 注 (chuu/so) — pour, concentrate; 意 (i) — mind, thought, intention
• Pronunciation: /tɕɯː.i/

Meaning

Caution; attention; warning. Being careful or paying attention to something.

Functions as a noun and する verb. 注意する means 'to pay attention' or 'to warn someone.' Often used in signs and announcements. Common patterns include 注意してください (please be careful) and 注意を払う (to pay attention).

Examples

1. 車に注意してください。 Please watch out for cars.
2. 先生に注意されて恥ずかしかったです。 I was embarrassed when the teacher scolded me.
3. この薬を飲むときは注意が必要です。 You need to be careful when taking this medicine.

Usage Guide

Context: safety, education, daily life

Tone: cautionary

Origin & History

Compound of 注 (pour, concentrate) and 意 (mind, thought). Literally 'pouring one's mind into something,' capturing focused attention.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal