Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 2: 24/24

に気(き)を付(つ)ける

Take care, Be careful, Pay attention, Make sure, Watch out

Often used with ないように

Structure

Noun + に気(き)をつける
Verb［ない］+ ように気(き)をつける

Details

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    Standard

  • 使用域

    一般

About に気をつける

Another of the large number of collocations in Japanese based on 気(き) 'attention', or 'focus', is 気(き)を付(つ)ける. This is just a combination of the noun 気(き), を, and the る-Verb 付(つ)ける 'to adhere', or 'to attach'. 気(き)を付(つ)ける primarily follows (A) に. This marks (A) as something that the speaker is 'adhering' their attention to, and translates as 'to pay attention to (A)', 'to be careful of (A)', or 'to watch out for (A)'.

This grammar pattern is used after nouns or noun-like phrases, indicating the thing that is being warned about, or that the speaker themselves is being cautious of.

Most often, 気(き)を付(つ)ける will be used to warn about possible errors that could be made, mistakes, or simply the loss of focus. Due to this, it frequently follows negative verbs as ないよう, highlighting that something should be done in a 'manner' that doesn't result in (A).

Examples

--:--

    氷(こおり)は滑(すべ)りやすいから、足(あし)もとに気(き)をつけて。

    The ice is slippery, so please watch your step.

    妊娠(にんしん)中(ちゅう)の女性(じょせい)は、健康(けんこう)に気(き)をつけるべきだ。

    Pregnant women should be careful of their health.

    階段(かいだん)は急(きゅう)だから、落(お)ちないように気(き)をつけなさい。

    Since the stairs are steep, take care not to fall.

    母(はは)：「パソコンの隣(となり)で食事(しょくじ)をする時(とき)は、水(みず)を零(こぼ)さないように気(き)をつけて。」

    Mother: 'When you are eating next to the computer, take care not to spill water on it.'

    通(とお)りを横切(よこぎ)る時(とき)には、車(くるま)に気(き)をつけて。

    When you are crossing the street, watch out for cars.

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      に気をつける – Grammar Discussion

      Most Recent Replies (1 in total)

      • ezhmd

        ezhmd

        I think this one should be correct or at least warned.

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