The extended phrases to express “be careful” in Chinese
The common expressions
小心 (xiǎoxīn)
This is the most direct and general way to say “be careful” in Chinese. It’s used in a wide range of situations where you want to warn someone to pay attention to avoid danger or mistakes.
小心点（儿） (xiǎoxīn diǎnr) – The addition of “点 (diǎn),” which means “a bit” or “a little,” makes the warning softer or more casual. It’s like saying “Be a bit careful” or “Watch out a bit.”
e.g.
小心！前面的井盖不见了。(Xiǎoxīn! Qiánmiàn de jǐnggài bùjiàn le.) Be careful! The manhole cover ahead is missing.
小心点儿，别又摔跤了。(Xiǎoxīn diǎnr, bié yòu shuāijiāo le.) Be a bit more careful, don’t fall again.
开车的时候要小心。(Kāichē de shíhòu yào xiǎoxīn.) Be careful when driving.
注意 (zhùyì)
Simply meaning “pay attention,” this phrase can be used broadly, similar to “小心 (xiǎoxīn),” but is less directly related to caution and more about general awareness.
e.g.
注意，她不会骑车！(Zhùyì, tā bù huì qí chē!) Pay attention, she can’t ride a bike!
注意点儿，慢慢开车，别急。(Zhùyì diǎnr, màn màn kāi chē, bié jí.) Be a bit more careful, drive slowly, don’t rush.
注意，这杯咖啡很烫。(Zhùyì, zhè bēi kāfēi hěn tàng.) Be careful, this cup of coffee is very hot.
The uses in sentences
(Subject) + 小心 + ……！
e.g.
不要再吵了，你小心挨揍！(Bùyào zài chǎo le, nǐ xiǎoxīn áizòu!) Stop quarreling, or you’ll get a beating!
你们小心地滑！(Nǐmen xiǎoxīn dì huá!) You guys, be careful of the slippery floor!
请小心 (qǐng xiǎoxīn) – By adding “请 (qǐng),” which means “please,” the phrase becomes more polite. It’s a courteous way of asking someone to be careful, often used in public signs or announcements.
e.g.
请小心驾驶。(Qǐng xiǎoxīn jiàshǐ.) Please drive carefully.
路面湿滑，请小心。(Lùmiàn shī huá, qǐng xiǎoxīn.) The road is wet and slippery, please be careful.
(Subject) + 注意 + ……！
注意安全 (zhùyì ānquán)
Literally meaning “pay attention to safety,” this phrase is used in contexts where safety is a primary concern, like when someone is going on a trip, operating machinery, or when there’s a particular risk involved.
e.g.
出门在外，一定要注意安全。(Chūmén zài wài, yídìng yào zhùyì ānquán.) When you are out and about, you must pay attention to safety.
这个地方治安不好，你们出门注意安全。(Zhège dìfāng zhì’ān bù hǎo, nǐmen chūmén zhùyì ānquán.) This area is not safe, be careful when you go out.
注意身体 (zhùyì shēntǐ)
This translates to “Take care of your health” or more simply, “Take care of yourself.” The phrase is a general well-wishing that encompasses overall physical health. It’s often used when someone is concerned about another person’s health, especially in contexts like changing seasons, after learning someone has been working too hard, or when someone is recovering from illness.
e.g.
您注意身体，我们下次再来看您。(Nín zhùyì shēntǐ, wǒmen xià cì zài lái kàn nín.) Take care of your health, we will visit you again next time.
工作很辛苦，但也要注意身体呀。(Gōngzuò hěn xīnkǔ, dàn yě yào zhùyì shēntǐ ya.) Work is hard, but you also need to take care of your health.
注意（不要）着凉 (zhùyì (bú yào) zháo liáng)
This can be translated as “Be careful not to catch a cold” or “Make sure you don’t catch a cold.” The inclusion of “不要 (bú yào)” specifies the advice as a caution against a particular outcome—in this case, catching a cold. This phrase is often used in contexts where there’s a risk of getting cold, such as during cold weather, when it’s raining, or if someone is going out with wet hair.
e.g.
又开始下雨了，注意不要着凉。(Yòu kāishǐ xià yǔ le, zhùyì bùyào zháoliáng.) It’s started to rain again, be careful not to catch a cold.
记得加衣服，注意着凉。(Jìde jiā yīfú, zhùyì zháoliáng.) Remember to add more clothes, be careful not to catch a cold.
注意休息 (zhùyì xiūxí)
This means “Make sure to rest” or “Pay attention to getting enough rest.” It’s advice given when one is concerned that another person is overworking or not taking enough time to recover their energy. This can be relevant in work contexts, during illness, or any situation where someone is exerting themselves physically or mentally.
e.g.
别总熬夜，要注意休息。(Bié zǒng áoyè, yào zhùyì xiūxí.) Don’t always stay up late; you need to make sure you get enough rest.
虽然病人很多，医生自己也要注意休息啊。(Suīrán bìngrén hěn duō, yīshēng zìjǐ yě yào zhùyì xiūxí a.) Even though there are many patients, doctors need to ensure they rest as well.
注意态度 (zhùyì tàidù)
This phrase means “Mind your attitude” or “Be mindful of your attitude.” It’s an advisory focused on one’s behavior or approach towards others or towards a specific situation. It could be given in a variety of contexts, such as at work, in school, or in personal interactions, where a respectful, positive, or appropriate attitude is important.
e.g.
注意你的态度，这是你的长辈！(Zhùyì nǐ de tàidù, zhè shì nǐ de zhǎngbèi!) Mind your attitude; this is your elder!
你好好说话，注意态度。(Nǐ hǎohāo shuōhuà, zhùyì tàidù.) Speak properly, watch your attitude.
The extended phrases to express “be careful” in Chinese
当心 (dāngxīn)
Similar to “小心 (xiǎoxīn),” but with a slightly stronger connotation of warning or vigilance. It’s often used when there’s a clear and present danger or when the speaker wants to emphasize the need for caution.
e.g.
当心你的包不要被偷了。(Dāngxīn nǐ de bāo bùyào bèi tōu le.) Watch out so that your bag doesn’t get stolen.
过马路的时候一定要当心。(Guò mǎlù de shíhòu yídìng yào dāngxīn.) Definitely be careful when crossing the street.
谨慎 (jǐnshèn)
This word means “cautious” or “prudent” and is often used in formal or written Chinese to advise caution. It’s less direct as a warning but suggests a high level of care or thoughtfulness in actions.
e.g.
这个投资得谨慎点儿。(Zhège tóuzī děi jǐnshèn diǎnr.) You need to be more cautious with this investment.
你现在交朋友也要谨慎些。(Nǐ xiànzài jiāo péngyǒu yě yào jǐnshèn xiē.) You should also be more cautious about making friends now.
保持警惕 (bǎochí jǐngtì)
Meaning “keep vigilant,” this phrase is used in contexts requiring ongoing caution, such as in security contexts or when one needs to be alert over a period.
e.g.
对可疑的人，我们要保持警惕。(Duì kěyí de rén, wǒmen yào bǎochí jǐngtì.) We must stay vigilant towards suspicious people.
如果有人打电话让你转钱，你要保持警惕，很可能是个骗子。(Rúguǒ yǒu rén dǎ diànhuà ràng nǐ zhuǎn qián, nǐ yào bǎochí jǐngtì, hěn kěnéng shì gè piànzi.) If someone calls asking you to transfer money, you should remain vigilant; it’s very likely a scam.
