Question 1

What does 注意 mean in Chinese?

Accepted Answer

注意 (zhùyì) is a verb meaning 'to pay attention to,' 'to watch out for,' or 'to take note of.' Use it for noticing details (注意细节), being careful of dangers (注意安全), or paying attention in class (注意听讲). The pattern is straightforward: 注意 + object — 注意身体 ('take care of your health'), 注意安全 ('be careful'). Two notes for learners. First, 注意 is often used as a warning or piece of advice on signs and in speech: 注意! ('Watch out!'

), 请注意 ('Please note'). Second, English speakers sometimes confuse it with 小心 (xiǎoxīn, 'be careful'). 小心 warns against immediate physical danger ('Be careful — hot!'); 注意 is broader and means 'direct your attention to': 注意安全 ('mind your safety') is a general reminder, while

Question 2

How do you pronounce 注意?

Accepted Answer

注意 is pronounced zhùyì — 注 (zhù), 意 (yì).

Question 3

Is 注意 a noun, verb, or something else?

Accepted Answer

注意 is a verb, register: neutral.

Question 4

What's the difference between 注意 and 主意?

Accepted Answer

主意 means 'idea/plan' (好主意 'good idea'). 注意 means 'pay attention.' Same 意 character, but completely different first character. Don't mix 我有个好主意 ('I have an idea') with 注意!

Question 5

What's the difference between 注意 and 小心?

Accepted Answer

小心 = 'be careful' (immediate danger). 注意 = 'pay attention to' (general awareness). On a wet floor: 小心. In a long letter: 注意身体 ('take care of your health').

注意

What does 注意 mean?

Character breakdown

Example sentences

Common phrases with 注意

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Synonyms

Don't confuse 注意 with

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