How to Say ‘Be careful.’ in Japanese
気をつけてね。
ki o tsuke te ne
[kee oh tsoo-KEH te neh]
💬 Usage Tip: 気をつける literally means "attach your attention," used for "be careful." The ね softens it into a caring send-off rather than a warning.
Phrase Breakdown
気
ki
[kee]
care; attention
A word meaning attention or caution, often used in safety expressions.
気をつけてください。
Please be careful.
を
o
[oh]
object marker
The particle を marks the direct object of a verb.
チケットを二枚ください。
Two tickets, please.
つけ
tsuke
[tsoo-KEH]
to pay (attention); to apply
Stem of つける; with 気を it means to pay attention, i.e. be careful.
車に気をつけてください。
Please watch out for cars.
て
te
[te]
and; please do
The て-form ending that connects a verb to the next part, often for requests.
イベントの後で少し話してください。
Please talk with me a little after the event.
ね
ne
[neh]
okay?
Softens a caring request.
風邪に気をつけてね。
Be careful not to catch a cold, okay?
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