How to say "precaution" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 予防よぼうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThis is prevention: taking action in advance so that illness, accidents, or other harm never occurs. Use it when 'precaution' means a preventive measure rather than simply being careful.
- 用心ようじんnoun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbBeing on one's guard against danger in daily life — wariness toward theft, fire, or deception. It stresses a watchful, guarded attitude rather than a concrete measure.火には、用心しなさい。↗Be on your guard against fire.
- 警戒けいかいnoun, suru verb, transitive verbHeightened vigilance or alertness directed at a specific, often external threat — keeping watch against intruders, suspicious activity, or danger. It suggests a more tense, guarded state than everyday care.
- 注意ちゅういnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThe most general word for care and caution: paying close attention to avoid mistakes, accidents, or trouble. When 'precaution' simply means being careful or looking out for something, this is the natural choice.
- 予防線よぼうせんnounA safeguard or safety measure taken in advance, most often in the set phrase 予防線を張る, literally 'to stretch a preventive line': to take precautions beforehand.
Choose 予防 for preventive action against illness or accidents, 用心 for wariness against specific dangers like theft, 警戒 for heightened vigilance against a threat, 注意 for general everyday care, and 予防線 for a safeguard taken in advance.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
