How to Say ‘To be careful (about)’ in Japanese
きをつける
ki o tsukeru
[kee oh tsoo-keh-roo]
💬 Usage Tip: Literal meaning “attach your attention.” Common collocation: [塩分に気をつける] (watch salt).
🇯🇵 In Japan: You’ll hear this constantly in health advice in Japan—simple and friendly, not scolding.
Phrase Breakdown
き
ki
[kee]
spirit; attention; care
き + を + つける → literally “attach attention,” meaning be careful.
きに注意してください。
Please pay attention.
を
o
[oh]
(object marker particle)
Marks き as the object in the set phrase きをつける.
食事を見直します。を
I’ll review my diet. (highlighting を)
つける
tsukeru
[tsoo-keh-roo]
to be careful; to watch out; to pay attention
Common advice from doctors: 〜に気をつける (be careful about ~).
塩分に気をつけることが大切です。
It’s important to be careful about salt intake.
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