に気を付ける
Take care, Be careful, Pay attention, Make sure, Watch out
Structure
Verb［ない］+ ように気をつける
Explanation
The expression 気を付ける is another common phrase that utilizes the word 気, meaning 'spirit' or 'mind'. It is composed of the noun 気, the particle を, and the る-Verb 付ける, which means 'to attach' or 'to apply'. 気を付ける is most often used with the particle に to mark a target (A). This indicates that the speaker is 'attaching' their mind or focus to (A), translating as 'to be careful of (A)', 'to watch out for (A)', or 'to pay attention to (A)'.
This grammar pattern appears after nouns or noun phrases to point out the specific thing that someone should be wary of, or that the speaker themselves is taking precautions against.
- このあたりは観光客を狙ったスリが多いから、持ち物に気をつけてね。There are a lot of pickpockets targeting tourists around here, so please be careful with your belongings.
- 夜道は暗いので、車に気をつけましょう。The roads are dark at night, so let's be careful of cars.
Frequently, 気を付ける is used to give warnings about potential mistakes, errors, or a simple lack of concentration. Because of this, it often follows a verb in its negative form plus ないよう, which signifies that something should be done in a way that prevents (A) from happening.
- 明日は大事な会議だから、遅刻しないように気をつけてください。You have an important meeting tomorrow, so please make sure you're not late.
- 最近寒くなってきたから、風邪をひかないように気をつけよう。It's gotten colder recently, so let's be careful not to catch a cold.
Examples
日差しが強いから、日焼けに気をつけよう。
The sun is strong, so let's be careful not to get a sunburn.
人混みではスリに気をつけてください。
Please watch out for pickpockets in crowded places.
鍋は熱いから、火傷に気をつけて。
The pot is hot, so be careful not to burn yourself.
アスリートは、食事のバランスに気をつけるべきだ。
Athletes should pay attention to the balance of their meals.
レポートを書く時は、誤字脱字がないように気をつけなさい。
When you write the report, be careful that there are no typos or omitted characters.
山を歩く時は、熊に気をつけて。
When you're walking in the mountains, watch out for bears.
人の前では態度に気をつけよ！そんな振る舞いは許されないぞ！
Watch your attitude in front of others! That kind of behavior won't be tolerated!
アパートを選ぶなら、隣の騒音に気をつけた方がいいですよ。
If you're going to choose an apartment, you should be mindful of noise from your neighbors.
雪道は危ないから、スリップに気をつけて運転しよう。
Snowy roads are dangerous, so let's drive carefully to avoid skidding.
塩の量に気をつけていたのに、スープがしょっぱくなってしまった。
Even though I was paying attention to the amount of salt, the soup ended up being too salty.
あの人はデリケートだから、言い方に気をつけて話せば、きっと分かってくれる。
That person is sensitive, so if you talk to them while being careful with your wording, I'm sure they'll understand.
医者：「薬を飲んだ後は、車の運転はしないように気をつけてくださいね。」
Doctor: 'After taking your medication, please be careful not to drive.'