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A1 noun #3,001 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

警告

Q: Can I use '警告' to tell someone to be careful with a hot plate?

No, that would be too dramatic. Use '注意して' (chui shite) or '熱いから気をつけて' (atsui kara ki wo tsukete). '警告' is for formal rules or serious hazards.

Q: Is a yellow card always called '警告'?

In official Japanese sports terminology, yes. While people say 'yellow card', the referee's action is recorded as 'keikoku'.

Q: What is the difference between '警告' and '警報'?

'警告' is a warning that something might happen or a rule was broken. '警報' is an emergency alarm meaning the event is happening now (like a Tsunami).

Q: How do I write '警告' in kanji?

It's 警 (guard/admonish) and 告 (inform). The first kanji has 19 strokes and the second has 7.

Q: Can '警告' be used as a verb?

Yes, by adding 'suru' -> '警告する' (to warn).

keikoku Top 3,001

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 警告 en 30 secondes

Explication 警告 in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of '警告' as a very strong 'Stop' or 'No'. You will mostly see it on signs or computer screens. It is a word that tells you something is wrong or dangerous. For now, just remember that if you see this word on a red sign or a popup, you should probably stop what you are doing and ask for help. It is much stronger than 'abunai' (dangerous).

At the A2 level, you can start using '警告' in simple sentences about sports or rules. For example, 'The referee gave a warning.' You should also recognize it in common compounds like 'keikoku-on' (warning sound). You are beginning to understand that this word is used by people in authority, like teachers, referees, or the police, to tell someone they are doing something wrong.

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By B1, you should be able to use '警告' as a verb (警告する) and a noun. You can describe situations where a computer system warns you about a virus or where a boss warns an employee about their behavior. You should also be able to distinguish 'keikoku' from 'chui' (caution) and 'chuukoku' (advice) based on how serious the situation is. You might use it in a diary entry or a simple report.

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At the B2 level, you can use '警告' in more abstract and formal contexts. You might discuss how scientists are warning about climate change or how economists are warning about a market crash. You understand the nuance of 'keikoku wo hassuru' (to issue a warning) versus 'keikoku wo ukeru' (to receive a warning). You can also handle the word in passive constructions, which are common in news reports.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the legal and social implications of 'keikoku'. You know that in a legal sense, a 'keikoku' might be a necessary step before a lawsuit or a formal penalty. You can use the word fluently in debates about ethics, safety, and governance. You also recognize its use in classical or high-literature contexts where a character might receive a 'divine warning'.

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At the C2 level, you master the subtle rhetorical uses of '警告'. You can use it metaphorically to describe a 'wake-up call' for society or a 'stern warning' from history. You are comfortable with all technical and specialized uses of the word, from software engineering error levels to specific sports regulations. You can explain the difference between 'keikoku' and similar terms with precision and cultural context.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

警告 en 30 secondes

警告 (Keikoku) is a formal Japanese noun and verb meaning 'warning' or 'admonition'.
It is used in serious contexts like sports penalties, legal notices, and safety alerts.
Grammatically, it often appears as '警告する' (to warn) or '警告を受ける' (to be warned).
It is stronger and more official than 'chui' (caution) and implies consequences if ignored.

The Japanese word 警告 (けいこく - keikoku) is a powerful and formal term used to signify a serious warning. Unlike the more casual 'chui' (caution), a 'keikoku' carries the weight of authority or the presence of significant danger. It is composed of two kanji: 警 (kei), meaning to guard or admonish, and 告 (koku), meaning to tell or inform. Together, they create a word that literally means 'to inform someone to be on guard' or 'to officially admonish.'

Formal Usage: In legal, administrative, and professional settings, this word is the standard for an official notice that a rule has been violated or that immediate action is required to avoid penalty.
Sports Context: In sports like soccer, a yellow card is formally referred to as a 'keikoku'. It is the referee's official way of saying that the player's behavior is unacceptable and will result in expulsion if it happens again.
Safety and Technology: You will often see this on computer screens when a virus is detected or on signs near hazardous areas like high-voltage fences or dangerous cliffs.

審判は選手にイエローカードで警告を与えた。(The referee gave the player a warning with a yellow card.)

Understanding the nuance of 'keikoku' is essential because ignoring it usually leads to consequences. If you see a sign that says '警告' in a construction zone, it means there is a genuine risk of injury. In a business email, if a manager issues a 'keikoku', it suggests that the employee's performance or conduct has reached a critical point where disciplinary action is being considered. It is a word that demands immediate attention and usually a change in behavior or status.

コンピューターにウイルス感染の警告が表示された。(A virus infection warning was displayed on the computer.)

In everyday life, you might hear this word in automated announcements at train stations or in news reports regarding severe weather. While 'keihou' (警報) is the specific term for weather alarms (like a tsunami alarm), 'keikoku' can be used more broadly to describe the act of warning the public about potential scams, health risks, or environmental hazards. It is a versatile but always serious term that bridges the gap between a simple 'be careful' and a full-blown emergency 'alarm'.

警察は住民に不審者への警告を出した。(The police issued a warning to residents about a suspicious person.)

Using 警告 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It functions primarily as a noun, but it can easily be turned into a verb by adding suru (to do). The verb form 警告する means 'to warn' or 'to issue a warning.'

Subject + 警告する: This is the active form. 'The government warned the citizens' would be '政府は市民に警告した'. Note the use of the particle 'ni' for the recipient of the warning.
警告を受ける: This means 'to receive a warning'. It is very common in sports or workplace contexts. 'I received a warning from my boss' -> '上司から警告を受けた'.
警告を発する: This is a more formal way to say 'to issue' or 'to emit' a warning, often used for official proclamations or sirens.

彼はスピード違反で警察から警告を受けた。(He received a warning from the police for speeding.)

When using the word as a noun in a compound, it often modifies other nouns to describe specific types of warnings. For example, 警告音 (keikoku-on) is a 'warning sound' or 'beep,' and 警告灯 (keikoku-tou) is a 'warning light' on a dashboard or machinery. These compounds are essential for technical and mechanical Japanese.

その看板は「立ち入り禁止」と警告している。(That sign warns 'No Trespassing'.)

In academic or journalistic writing, 'keikoku' is often used to describe experts warning about future crises. For instance, 'Economists warn of a recession' would be '経済学者は不況について警告している'. This highlights the word's role in conveying expert opinion on serious matters. It is less about a personal 'heads up' and more about a data-driven or rule-based notification of risk.

将来の食料不足に対する警告がなされた。(A warning was issued regarding future food shortages.)

You will encounter 警告 in several specific environments in Japan. One of the most common places is in the digital world. Whenever your computer or smartphone encounters a security risk, a popup box with the header '警告' will appear. This is the universal UI term for 'Warning' in localized Japanese software.

At the Stadium: Listen to the stadium announcer during a soccer match. If a player gets a yellow card, the announcer might say '警告、背番号10番' (Warning, number 10). It is a formal declaration to the audience.
On Public Transportation: If there is a technical malfunction or a safety hazard on the tracks, the automated voice might use the term '警告' when instructing passengers on emergency procedures.

画面に「システムエラー」の警告が出た。(A 'System Error' warning appeared on the screen.)

Another place is in the news. When the Japanese government or international bodies like the WHO issue warnings about health crises or environmental issues, the word '警告' is the standard headline term. It signals to the public that the information is not just a suggestion, but a formal alert that requires attention.

環境保護団体は地球温暖化の危険性を警告している。(Environmental groups are warning about the dangers of global warming.)

Lastly, you will see it in product manuals. The 'Warnings' section of a manual, which details things that could cause death or serious injury, is labeled '警告'. This is legally distinct from '注意' (Caution), which covers things that might cause minor injury or damage to the product. Always read the '警告' section first!

The most frequent mistake learners make with 警告 is using it for mild situations where 注意 (chui) would be more appropriate. If you are telling a friend to be careful not to trip on a rug, saying '警告!' is far too dramatic—it sounds like you are a police officer or a computer system. Use '注意して' or '気をつけて' instead.

Confusing Keikoku and Keihou: 'Keikoku' is a general warning. 'Keihou' (警報) is a specific 'alarm' or 'emergency warning' usually issued by the meteorological agency. Don't say 'Tsunami keikoku'; the correct term is 'Tsunami keihou'.
Particle Misuse: When warning *someone*, you must use the particle 'ni'. A common mistake is using 'wo' for the person. Correct: 友達に警告する (Warn a friend). Incorrect: 友達を警告する.

❌ 私は彼を警告した。
✅ 私は彼に警告した。

Another mistake is using 'keikoku' as a synonym for 'advice' (忠告 - chuukoku). While both involve telling someone what to do, 'keikoku' implies a threat or danger, while 'chuukoku' is often friendly or mentor-like advice intended for the person's own good. If you warn your younger brother to study harder, use 'chuukoku'. If you warn him that he will be kicked out of the house if he fails, 'keikoku' might fit.

❌ 雨が降るから警告だよ。
✅ 雨が降るから注意してね。

To truly master 警告, you need to see how it fits into the broader family of Japanese words related to caution and advice. Here is a breakdown of the most common alternatives and how they differ from 'keikoku'.

注意 (Chui): The most common word for 'caution' or 'attention'. Used for minor things like 'watch your step' or 'pay attention in class'. It is much softer than keikoku.
忠告 (Chuukoku): This means 'advice' or 'admonition'. It is usually personal and given from a place of concern for the other person's welfare. 'I'm telling you this for your own good.'
警報 (Keihou): An 'alarm' or 'official emergency warning'. This is a level above keikoku. While a keikoku tells you there is danger, a keihou tells you the danger is happening NOW and you must act (e.g., evacuate).
予告 (Yokoku): This means 'advance notice' or 'preview'. It is neutral. A movie trailer is a 'yokoku-hen'. It lacks the sense of danger or rule-breaking present in keikoku.

先生は私に、もっと勉強するように忠告してくれた。(The teacher advised me to study more.)

In a hierarchical sense, you can think of it like this: 注意 (be careful) < 忠告 (listen to my advice) < 警告 (official warning/danger) < 警報 (emergency alarm). Choosing the right one depends on the severity of the situation and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.

大雨警報が発令された。(A heavy rain emergency warning was issued.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The kanji '警' (kei) also appears in 'Keisatsu' (Police), showing the historical link between warning and law enforcement.

Guide de prononciation

UK keɪ.kɒ.ku

US keɪ.koʊ.ku

Flat (Heiban) pitch accent in Japanese. All syllables have roughly the same emphasis.

Rime avec

Teikoku (Empire) Heikoku (Closing) Meikoku (Famous country) Seikoku (Success - rare reading) Reikoku (Cruel) Keikoku (Valley - different kanji) Eikoku (England) Aikoku (Patriotism)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'kei' as 'kee'. It should be 'kay'.
Stressing the 'ku' too much.
Confusing it with 'keiko' (practice).
Making the 'o' in 'ko' too long like 'koo'.
Nasalizing the 'n' sound if followed by another word.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The kanji are common but require some study for beginners.

Écriture 4/5

The kanji '警' has many strokes and is tricky to balance.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward with no difficult sounds.

Écoute 2/5

Distinct sound that is easy to catch in announcements.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

注意危ない言う見る警察

Apprends ensuite

警報禁止報告違反避難

Avancé

戒告訓戒警鐘是正措置最後通牒

Grammaire à connaître

Suru-Verbs

警告する (To warn)

Passive Voice

警察に警告された (Was warned by the police)

Noun Compounds

警告灯 (Warning light)

Particle 'Ni' for Recipient

彼に警告する (Warn him)

Conditional 'Tara'

警告が出たら、止まってください (If a warning appears, please stop)

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Exemples par niveau

これは警告です。

This is a warning.

Simple A desu B sentence structure.

警告を見てください。

Please look at the warning.

Using the 'te-form' + kudasai for a polite request.

警告！あぶない！

Warning! Dangerous!

Noun used as an exclamation.

警告の音です。

It is a warning sound.

Using 'no' to link two nouns.

パソコンに警告が出ました。

A warning appeared on the computer.

Using 'ga demashita' to indicate something appeared.

警告の色は赤です。

The color of the warning is red.

Describing a property of the noun.

警告を読みます。

I read the warning.

Direct object marked with 'wo'.

それは警告ですか？

Is that a warning?

Question form using 'ka'.

審判が警告を出しました。

The referee issued a warning.

Subject (referee) + ga + object (warning) + dashimashita (issued).

先生から警告を受けました。

I received a warning from the teacher.

'Kara' indicates the source of the warning.

警告のメッセージが届きました。

A warning message arrived.

Noun compound 'keikoku no messeeji'.

スピードを出しすぎると警告されます。

You will be warned if you go too fast.

Passive form 'keikoku saremasu'.

警告に従ってください。

Please follow the warning.

Verb 'shitagau' (to follow/obey) takes the particle 'ni'.

この警告はとても大切です。

This warning is very important.

Adjective 'taisetsu' modifying the noun phrase.

警告のメールを読みましたか？

Did you read the warning email?

Question about a past action.

警察が警告のために来ました。

The police came for the purpose of a warning.

'No tame ni' indicates purpose.

彼はルールを破ったので警告された。

He was warned because he broke the rules.

Cause (node) + passive verb (sareta).

システムが警告を発しています。

The system is issuing a warning.

Present progressive 'hasshite imasu'.

警告なしに立ち入らないでください。

Please do not enter without a warning (authorization).

'Nashi ni' means 'without'.

その警告は無視できない。

That warning cannot be ignored.

Potential negative form 'mushi dekinai'.

警告灯が赤く光っています。

The warning light is glowing red.

Compound noun 'keikoku-tou'.

彼は最後のアドバイスとして警告を与えた。

He gave a warning as a final piece of advice.

'To shite' means 'as'.

警告の内容を確認してください。

Please confirm the content of the warning.

'Kakunin' means confirmation.

事前の警告があれば、防げたかもしれない。

If there had been a prior warning, it might have been prevented.

Conditional 'ba' + potential 'fusegeta'.

政府は経済危機について厳しい警告を発した。

The government issued a stern warning about the economic crisis.

Formal verb 'hassuru' (to issue).

警告を無視した結果、大きな事故が起きた。

As a result of ignoring the warning, a major accident occurred.

'No kekka' means 'as a result of'.

この文書は、将来の危険を警告するために書かれた。

This document was written to warn of future dangers.

Passive 'kakareta' + purpose 'tame ni'.

彼はイエローカードを2枚受けて、警告退場となった。

He received two yellow cards and was sent off (warning-ejection).

Compound 'keikoku taijou'.

不審なメールの添付ファイルを開かないよう警告されている。

We are warned not to open attachments in suspicious emails.

'You ni' indicates the content of the warning.

環境の変化は、人類に対する警告だと言える。

Environmental changes can be said to be a warning to humanity.

'To ieru' means 'can be said that'.

警告を真剣に受け止めるべきだ。

We should take the warning seriously.

'Bekida' means 'should'.

当局は、その会社に対して業務改善の警告を出した。

The authorities issued a warning to the company to improve operations.

Target marked with 'ni taishite'.

その哲学者は、文明の崩壊を予見し警告し続けた。

The philosopher foresaw and continued to warn about the collapse of civilization.

Verb stem + 'tsuzukeru' (continued to).

度重なる警告にもかかわらず、是正措置は取られなかった。

Despite repeated warnings, no corrective measures were taken.

'Ni mo kakawarazu' means 'despite'.

科学者たちは、生態系のバランスが崩れることに警鐘を鳴らし、警告している。

Scientists are sounding the alarm and warning that the ecological balance is being disrupted.

Idiom 'keishou wo narasu' (sound the alarm).

彼は、自らの失敗が後進への警告となることを願っている。

He hopes that his own failure will serve as a warning to his successors.

'To naru' (to become/serve as).

法的警告を無視することは、重大なリスクを伴う。

Ignoring legal warnings entails significant risks.

'Wo tomonau' means 'to entail/accompany'.

その映画は、管理社会への強烈な警告を含んでいる。

The movie contains a powerful warning against a controlled society.

'Wo fukunde iru' means 'contains'.

市場の変動は、投資家への警告と解釈された。

The market fluctuations were interpreted as a warning to investors.

Passive 'kaishaku sareta' (was interpreted).

警告の背後にある意図を汲み取ることが重要だ。

It is important to grasp the intention behind the warning.

'Kumitoru' means to grasp or understand nuance.

歴史は、権力の腐敗がもたらす悲劇を常に警告している。

History constantly warns of the tragedies brought about by the corruption of power.

Personification of 'History' as the subject.

その論文は、AIの暴走に対する倫理的な警告を投げかけている。

The paper poses an ethical warning against AI running amok.

'Nagekakete iru' (posing/throwing a question or warning).

警告の有効性は、受取人のリテラシーに大きく依存する。

The effectiveness of a warning depends heavily on the recipient's literacy.

'Izon suru' means 'to depend on'.

沈黙そのものが、時として最大の警告となり得る。

Silence itself can sometimes be the greatest warning.

'Nariuru' is a formal version of 'naru koto ga dekiru'.

彼は、警告を無視することの危うさを、比喩を用いて説いた。

He explained the danger of ignoring warnings using metaphors.

'Wo toita' (explained/preached).

その警告は、単なる脅しではなく、冷酷な現実の提示であった。

The warning was not a mere threat, but a presentation of cold reality.

'Dewa naku... de atta' (was not... but was).

社会契約の崩壊に対する警告が、文学作品の中に通奏低音として流れている。

A warning against the collapse of the social contract runs as a basso continuo through the literary work.

Metaphorical use of 'tsuusou teion'.

警告を発するタイミングの逸脱は、しばしば致命的な結果を招く。

A deviation in the timing of issuing a warning often leads to fatal consequences.

'Wo maneku' means 'to invite/lead to' (usually negative).

Synonymes

注意忠告戒め警鐘予告

Antonymes

許可承認奨励

Collocations courantes

警告を発する

警告を受ける

警告を与える

警告灯

警告音

法的警告

最終警告

警告文

警告を発令する

警告を無視する

Phrases Courantes

警告する

— To warn or give a warning. This is the basic verb form.

先生は生徒に警告した。

警告が出る

— A warning is issued or appears. Often used for computer screens.

画面に警告が出た。

イエローカード（警告）

— A yellow card in sports. It is synonymous with a warning.

彼は警告を受けた。

警告ラベル

— A warning label. Found on dangerous products.

警告ラベルを読んでください。

警告メッセージ

— A warning message. Common in digital communication.

警告メッセージが表示された。

警告サイン

— A warning sign. Both physical and metaphorical.

それは病気の警告サインだ。

警告無しで

— Without warning. Suddenly or unexpectedly.

警告無しで攻撃された。

警告期間

— A warning period. A time given to correct behavior.

警告期間が終了した。

警告を促す

— To prompt or urge a warning. To call attention to danger.

早めの警告を促す。

警告に従う

— To obey or follow a warning.

警告に従って避難する。

Souvent confondu avec

警告 vs 注意 (Chui)

Keikoku is much stronger and official. Chui is used for everyday caution.

警告 vs 警報 (Keihou)

Keihou is an alarm for an immediate disaster. Keikoku is a warning of potential danger or rule-breaking.

警告 vs 忠告 (Chuukoku)

Chuukoku is personal advice. Keikoku is an authoritative warning.

Expressions idiomatiques

"警鐘を鳴らす"

— To sound the alarm. To warn society about a growing danger.

学者は温暖化に警鐘を鳴らしている。

Formal/Literary

"最後通牒"

— An ultimatum. A final warning that leads to action if ignored.

彼は最後通牒を突きつけた。

Formal

"釘を刺す"

— To drive a nail in. To give a warning in advance to prevent a mistake.

遅れないように釘を刺しておく。

Informal

"耳にタコができる"

— To be told something so often you get calluses on your ears. Often used for warnings.

その警告は耳にタコができるほど聞いた。

Informal

"黄色信号"

— Yellow light. A warning sign that things are starting to go wrong.

経営に黄色信号が灯る。

Neutral

"他山の石"

— Using someone else's failure as a warning or lesson for oneself.

彼の失敗を他山の石とする。

Formal

"喉元過ぎれば熱さを忘れる"

— Once the heat passes the throat, the heat is forgotten. Ignoring past warnings once the danger is gone.

喉元過ぎれば熱さを忘れて、警告を無視する。

Literary

"備えあれば憂いなし"

— If you are prepared, there is no need to worry. The positive response to a warning.

警告を受けて備えれば憂いなしだ。

Literary

"触らぬ神に祟りなし"

— If you don't touch the god, there is no curse. A warning to stay away from trouble.

警告通り、触らぬ神に祟りなしだ。

Idiomatic

"転ばぬ先の杖"

— A cane before you fall. Taking a warning to heart and preparing in advance.

警告は転ばぬ先の杖だ。

Literary

Facile à confondre

警告 vs 公告 (Koukoku)

Sounds similar to 'Koku' part.

Koukoku means 'public announcement' or 'notice' without the warning element.

決算の公告を出す。(Issue a public notice of financial results.)

警告 vs 広告 (Koukoku)

Sounds similar.

Koukoku means 'advertisement'.

テレビで広告を見る。(See an advertisement on TV.)

警告 vs 報告 (Houkoku)

Sounds similar.

Houkoku means 'report'.

上司に報告する。(Report to the boss.)

警告 vs 勧告 (Kankoku)

Similar usage.

Kankoku is a 'recommendation' or 'advice' from an official body, slightly less forceful than a warning.

辞職を勧告する。(Recommend resignation.)

警告 vs 宣告 (Senkoku)

Similar usage.

Senkoku is a 'sentence' or 'verdict' (e.g., in court or a medical diagnosis).

有罪の宣告。(Verdict of guilty.)

Structures de phrases

これは[Noun]です。

これは警告です。

[Person]に警告する。

選手に警告する。

[Verb-Plain]ので警告された。

嘘をついたので警告された。

[Noun]について警告を発する。

環境汚染について警告を発する。

[Noun]にもかかわらず警告を無視した。

再三の警告にもかかわらず警告を無視した。

[Noun]が[Noun]への警告として機能する。

彼の失敗が後進への警告として機能する。

警告[Noun]が[Verb]。

警告灯が光る。

警告を[Verb-Te]ください。

警告を読んでください。

Famille de mots

Noms

警告 (Warning)

警告者 (Warner)

警告灯 (Warning light)

警告音 (Warning sound)

Verbes

警告する (To warn)

警告される (To be warned)

Adjectifs

警告的な (Warning-like/Admonitory)

Apparenté

警察 (Police)

警備 (Security)

報告 (Report)

広告 (Advertisement)

告発 (Accusation)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very common in news, sports, and technical manuals.

Erreurs courantes

Using '警告' for a friend's advice. → 忠告 (Chuukoku)
Keikoku is for rules/danger; Chuukoku is for personal benefit.
Using '警告' for a weather alarm. → 警報 (Keihou)
Weather alerts use the specific term 'Keihou'.
Using the particle 'WO' for the person warned. → Particle 'NI'
You warn TO someone in Japanese grammar.
Confusing 'Keikoku' with 'Koukoku' (Ad). → 警告
One is a warning, the other is an advertisement. Very different!
Saying 'Keikoku shite' for 'Be careful'. → 注意して (Chui shite)
'Keikoku shite' sounds like you are ordering a system to issue a warning.

Astuces

Context Matters

Only use '警告' when there is a real consequence or authority involved. For friends, stick to '注意'.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to the '言' (speech) radical at the bottom of '警'. It signifies that the warning is spoken or communicated.

Particle 'Ni'

Always use 'ni' for the person being warned. 'Sensei NI keikoku sareta' (I was warned by the teacher).

Station Announcements

If you hear 'keikoku' at a train station, stop and listen carefully; it usually involves safety.

Soccer Fans

Learn 'keikoku' to understand Japanese sports commentary better.

Error Messages

If your Japanese OS shows '警告', don't just click 'OK'. Read the text following it!

Rule Following

In Japan, a 'keikoku' is often the final step before strict enforcement. Take it seriously.

Compound Power

Learn 'keikoku-tou' (light) and 'keikoku-on' (sound) together as a set.

Signage

Red signs with white text '警告' are the most urgent ones you will find.

Digital Input

When typing 'keikoku', the first option is usually the correct one. Be careful not to pick '渓谷' (valley).

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a **KAY**ak (kei) hitting a **CO**ral (ko) reef because you ignored the **KU**dos (ku) given by the lifeguard. That was your warning (Keikoku)!

Association visuelle

A soccer referee holding a bright yellow card with the word '警告' written on it in bold black letters.

Word Web

Police Yellow Card Danger Virus Notice Authority Alarm Rule

Défi

Try to find three '警告' signs in a Japanese train station or on a Japanese website today. Note what color they are.

Origine du mot

Borrowed from Middle Chinese roots. The word has been used in Japanese for centuries to denote official admonition.

Sens originel : To guard and to inform.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to use this word with friends unless you are being intentionally dramatic or funny, as it can sound overly aggressive or robotic.

In English, 'warning' can be casual ('Warning: I'm hungry!'), but in Japanese, 警告 is almost always serious.

The 'Yellow Card' system in the J-League. Evacuation warnings during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Cybersecurity warnings from the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Sports (Soccer)

警告を受ける
二度目の警告
警告退場
イエローカード

Technology/IT

セキュリティ警告
警告メッセージ
警告を無視する
警告が出る

Safety/Signs

警告：立入禁止
警告板
警告ラベル
警告に従う

Law/Workplace

口頭警告
最終警告
警告状
法的警告

Environment/News

科学者の警告
地球温暖化への警告
警告を発する
警鐘を鳴らす

Amorces de conversation

"サッカーで警告を受けたことがありますか？ (Have you ever received a warning in soccer?)"

"パソコンに警告が出たら、どうしますか？ (What do you do if a warning appears on your computer?)"

"最近、ニュースでどんな警告を聞きましたか？ (What kind of warnings have you heard in the news lately?)"

"警告ラベルをいつも読みますか？ (Do you always read warning labels?)"

"子供の頃、先生から警告されたことはありますか？ (Did you ever get warned by a teacher when you were a kid?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日見た警告サインについて書いてください。 (Write about a warning sign you saw today.)

もし自分が審判だったら、どんな時に警告を出しますか？ (If you were a referee, when would you issue a warning?)

人生で一番大切だった警告は何ですか？ (What was the most important warning in your life?)

警告を無視して失敗した経験はありますか？ (Do you have an experience where you ignored a warning and failed?)

将来の地球のために、人類にどんな警告をしたいですか？ (What warning would you give to humanity for the future of the Earth?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, that would be too dramatic. Use '注意して' (chui shite) or '熱いから気をつけて' (atsui kara ki wo tsukete). '警告' is for formal rules or serious hazards.

In official Japanese sports terminology, yes. While people say 'yellow card', the referee's action is recorded as 'keikoku'.

'警告' is a warning that something might happen or a rule was broken. '警報' is an emergency alarm meaning the event is happening now (like a Tsunami).

It's 警 (guard/admonish) and 告 (inform). The first kanji has 19 strokes and the second has 7.

Yes, by adding 'suru' -> '警告する' (to warn).

It means 'Final Warning'. It is the last notice before action is taken.

Yes, for formal disciplinary warnings to employees or legal warnings between companies.

Usually yellow or red, just like traffic lights and sports cards.

Yes, it is very common in formal, technical, and sports contexts.

You can say '警告申し上げます' in a very formal setting, but the word itself is inherently stern.

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