注意 (zhùyì)

注意 means to pay attention, to take note of, or to be careful about something.

Meanings

[verb] to pay attention to; to be mindful of; to take note
[noun] attention; notice

Example Sentences

请注意安全，小心地滑。 Qǐng zhùyì ānquán, xiǎoxīn dì huá. Please pay attention to safety; watch out for slippery ground.

上课时要注意听老师讲课。 Shàngkè shí yào zhùyì tīng lǎoshī jiǎngkè. During class you should pay attention to the teacher's lecture.

你有没有注意到他的变化？ Nǐ yǒu méiyǒu zhùyì dào tā de biànhuà? Did you notice the change in him?

注意身体，不要太累了。 Zhùyì shēntǐ, bùyào tài lèi le. Take care of your health; don't get too tired.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
注意安全	pay attention to safety
引起注意	to attract attention
特别注意	to pay special attention
注意事项	points to note; precautions

Usage Notes

注意 can be used as a verb (注意某事: to pay attention to something) or in the fixed phrase 引起注意 (to attract attention). As an imperative, 注意! alone means "Watch out!" or "Attention!" It is softer than 小心 (be careful) but similar in everyday use.

Memory Hook

注 means "to pour/focus" and 意 means "mind/intention": 注意 is pouring your mind onto something, directing your full attention.