How to Say ‘Be careful’ in Japanese
気をつけて
ki o tsuke te
[kee oh tsoo-keh teh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: [気をつけて] is a very common thing to say when someone is heading off alone, like "take care." At an airport gate, it can sound warm and natural between family or friends saying goodbye.
Phrase Breakdown
気
ki
[kee]
care; attention
Used in the expression 気をつけて, meaning to be careful.
足元に気をつけてください。
Please watch your step.
を
o
[oh]
object marker
Marks the direct object in a sentence.
気をつけて行きます。
I will go carefully.
つけ
tsuke
[tsoo-keh]
attach; take
From つける; in 気をつけて it means to pay attention or take care.
忘れ物に気をつけてください。
Please be careful not to forget anything.
て
te
[teh]
please do; -ing
Te-form ending used in requests and set expressions.
気をつけて来てください。
Please come safely.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager