How to Say ‘Please be careful’ in Japanese
お気をつけて
o ki o tsuke te
[oh kee oh tsoo-keh teh]
💬 Usage Tip: [お気をつけて] is a set phrase for "take care" or "be careful," often said when someone is leaving or traveling. The [お] makes it polite, so you'll usually hear [気をつけて] in casual speech.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
Polite prefix that makes the expression softer and more respectful.
夜道ですのでお気をつけてお帰りください。
Since it's dark out, please take care on your way home.
気
ki
[kee]
care; attention
In this phrase, 気 refers to caution or attention to safety.
足元に気をつけてお入りください。
Please watch your step as you come in.
を
o
[oh]
object marker
Marks 気 as the thing being paid attention to in the phrase 気をつけて.
体調を気をつけて過ごしてください。
Please spend your time taking care of your health.
つけ
tsuke
[tsoo-keh]
attach; pay; take
Here it is part of 気をつける, meaning 'to be careful' or 'to pay attention.'
雨の日は足元につける注意が必要です。
On rainy days, attention to your footing is necessary.
て
te
[teh]
and; please do; te-form ending
Te-form ending used in requests like 気をつけて, meaning 'please be careful.'
帰り道も気をつけてください。
Please be careful on your way home too.
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