警戒
警戒 30초 만에
- 警戒 (Keikai) means to be on high alert or watchful for potential danger, threats, or suspicious activity in both physical and psychological contexts.
- It is commonly used in weather reports for natural disasters, police security measures, and describing a person's guarded or wary personality.
- Grammatically, it functions as a noun or a 'suru' verb, frequently appearing with particles 'wo' for specific targets or 'ni' for general situations.
- It is more intense than 'chūi' (attention), implying active surveillance and a readiness to respond to a specific, serious threat or risk.
The Japanese word 警戒 (けいかい - keikai) is a powerful and essential term that translates to 'vigilance,' 'precaution,' or 'being on high alert.' While it might sound like a technical term used only by police or the military, it is actually deeply embedded in daily life in Japan, ranging from weather warnings to social interactions. At its core, 警戒 represents a state of mental and physical readiness to identify and prevent potential threats before they manifest into actual harm. It is not just about 'looking' but about 'watching with a purpose.' In a country prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons, the word 警戒 is a staple of the national vocabulary, signifying the proactive stance necessary for survival and social harmony.
- Core Concept
- Active surveillance and mental preparedness against potential danger or negative outcomes.
- Kanji Breakdown
- 警 (Kei) means to admonish, warn, or guard. 戒 (Kai) means to be cautious, admonish, or command. Together, they form a double-layered emphasis on staying alert.
台風が近づいているので、大雨に警戒してください。(Please be on high alert for heavy rain as the typhoon is approaching.)
In social contexts, 警戒 expresses a psychological barrier. When someone is '警戒している' (keikai shite iru), they are being wary of another person's intentions. This is common in business negotiations or when meeting strangers. Unlike the English word 'suspicion,' which focuses on the person being suspected, 警戒 focuses on the subject's own defensive posture. It is about protecting one's space, information, or safety. For instance, a wild animal might 警戒 a human, or a market investor might 警戒 a sudden drop in stock prices. The nuance is always about 'preventative defense.'
彼は知らない人に対して非常に警戒心が強い。(He is extremely wary of strangers.)
Historically, the term has roots in military strategy, where sentries would be placed on 警戒 duty to prevent surprise attacks. Today, this has evolved into modern systems like '警戒レベル' (Alert Levels) used by the Japanese Meteorological Agency. These levels range from 1 to 5, with level 5 requiring immediate action to save lives. Understanding 警戒 is therefore not just a linguistic exercise but a cultural necessity for anyone living in or visiting Japan. It reflects the Japanese value of '備えあれば憂いなし' (Sonae areba urei nashi - if you are prepared, you have no worries).
警察はテロを警戒して、駅の警備を強化した。(The police strengthened station security, being on high alert for terrorism.)
- Common Usage
- Used in weather reports, crime prevention, financial news, and describing interpersonal wariness.
Furthermore, 警戒 often appears in compound words such as 警戒区域 (keikai kuiki - restricted area/alert zone) or 警戒感 (keikaikan - a sense of wariness). These terms are frequently found in newspapers and news broadcasts. When the Bank of Japan issues a statement, they might mention 警戒感 regarding inflation, meaning they are watching the numbers closely to decide if they need to change interest rates. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word despite its seemingly formal nature.
投資家は市場の急落を警戒している。(Investors are wary of a sudden market crash.)
犬は不審な物音に警戒して吠え始めた。(The dog became alert to the suspicious noise and started barking.)
- Register
- Formal to Semi-Formal. It is appropriate for news, business, and serious personal warnings.
Using 警戒 correctly requires understanding its function as both a noun and a 'suru' verb. When used as a noun, it often pairs with verbs like 'を強める' (to strengthen), 'を怠る' (to neglect), or 'を解く' (to lift/relax). When used as a verb, '警戒する' (keikai suru) means 'to be vigilant' or 'to watch out for.' The grammatical structure usually follows [Target] + を + 警戒する or [Context] + に + 警戒する. For instance, 'スリを警戒する' means 'to watch out for pickpockets,' while '大雪に警戒する' means 'to be on alert for heavy snow.'
- Pattern 1: [Noun] + を警戒する
- Focuses on the specific threat or object you are watching. Example: 不審者を警戒する (Watch out for suspicious persons).
夜道を歩くときは、周りを警戒したほうがいいですよ。(When walking at night, you should stay alert to your surroundings.)
A common variation is using the noun form '警戒心' (keikaishin), which refers to one's 'sense of vigilance' or 'wariness.' You can say someone's 警戒心 is '強い' (strong) or '薄い' (thin/weak). For example, '彼は警戒心が強い' means 'He is very guarded.' This is a very common way to describe someone's personality or temporary state of mind. It suggests a psychological wall that a person has built up to protect themselves from potentially harmful social or physical situations.
そのエリアは現在、警察によって厳重に警戒されている。(That area is currently under strict surveillance by the police.)
Another important usage is in the context of weather and disasters. The Japanese government uses '警戒レベル' (Alert Levels) to communicate risk. You might see signs or hear broadcasts saying '警戒レベル3' (Level 3 Alert). In these cases, 警戒 functions as a formal classification of danger. Using the word in this context implies a public or collective responsibility. It's not just an individual being careful; it's a systemic state of readiness. For learners, mastering this word allows you to understand emergency instructions which are critical for safety in Japan.
- Pattern 2: [Noun] + に警戒する
- Often used with weather phenomena or abstract risks. Example: 津波に警戒する (Be on alert for a tsunami).
政府はインフレの再燃を警戒している。(The government is on guard against a resurgence of inflation.)
In more casual settings, you might use 警戒 to describe why a pet isn't coming close to someone. '猫が警戒している' (The cat is wary/on guard). This shows the word's flexibility across different levels of formality. Whether it's a cat, a country, or a computer system (like a firewall), the logic remains the same: a state of being 'tuned in' to potential trouble. Note that '警戒' is more intense than '注意' (chūi - attention/caution). While '注意' is 'be careful,' '警戒' is 'be on the lookout for a specific threat.'
犯人は周囲を警戒しながら、路地裏へ消えた。(The criminal vanished into the back alley while keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings.)
- Key Collocation
- 厳重な警戒 (genjū na keikai) - Strict vigilance / Heavy security.
You will encounter 警戒 in several distinct environments, each carrying its own weight. The most common place is undoubtedly the news. During the summer and autumn, Japanese weather forecasts are filled with phrases like '土砂災害に警戒してください' (Please be on alert for landslides). This isn't just a suggestion; it's a formal instruction that residents should be ready to evacuate. Hearing this word on TV usually triggers a shift in the atmosphere, making people more serious and focused on safety protocols.
- News & Media
- Used for weather alerts, crime reports, and international tension updates. It sounds authoritative and urgent.
テレビのニュースで「最大級の警戒」を呼びかけている。(The TV news is calling for the 'highest level of vigilance.')
Another frequent location is public transportation. At major train stations like Shinjuku or Osaka, you might see electronic signs or hear announcements about '特別警戒実施中' (Special vigilance/security measures in progress). This often happens during major events like the G7 summit or during holiday periods like New Year's. It tells the public that there are more police officers and security cameras active than usual. It's a word that defines the 'security state' of public spaces in Japan.
駅構内はテロ対策のため、厳重な警戒態勢が敷かれている。(A strict security posture has been implemented within the station premises for anti-terrorism measures.)
In the business and financial world, 警戒 is used to describe a cautious market sentiment. Analysts might say '市場には警戒感が広がっている' (A sense of wariness is spreading through the market). This happens when investors are afraid of potential bad news, like a sudden interest rate hike or a geopolitical conflict. It describes a 'wait-and-see' attitude where people are ready to pull their money out at the first sign of trouble. It's a key word for anyone reading the Nikkei or Japanese economic journals.
- Social & Psychology
- Used to describe people who are 'guarded' or 'defensive' in conversations or new relationships.
彼は新しい同僚に対して、まだ警戒心を解いていない。(He hasn't let his guard down yet with his new colleagues.)
Lastly, you'll hear it in sports commentary. When a team has a star player, the opposing team will '警戒' that player. For example, '大谷選手を警戒して敬遠する' (Being wary of Ohtani and giving him an intentional walk). This means the opponents are prioritizing defense and caution over a direct confrontation because the risk of a home run is too high. This usage shows how 警戒 moves from physical danger to strategic risk management in competitive environments.
相手チームのカウンターアタックに警戒が必要です。(We need to be on guard against the opposing team's counter-attack.)
- Nature & Wildlife
- Used when wild animals (bears, boars) are spotted near residential areas. 'クマの出没に警戒' (Alert for bear sightings).
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 警戒 is confusing it with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words like '注意' (chūi) or '心配' (shinpai). While all three relate to being careful or worried, 警戒 implies a much higher level of active monitoring and preventative action. If you tell someone '車に警戒して' (Be on high alert for cars) while crossing a street, it sounds like you're in a war zone. For daily safety, '注意して' (Be careful) is much more natural. 警戒 is reserved for serious threats or systemic readiness.
- Mistake 1: Overuse in Casual Contexts
- Using '警戒' for small things like 'be careful not to spill your coffee' is incorrect. Use '注意' (chūi) or '気をつけて' (ki o tsukete) instead.
❌ コーヒーをこぼさないように警戒してください。
✅ コーヒーをこぼさないように注意してください。(Please be careful not to spill the coffee.)
Another common error is the misuse of particles. Beginners often use 'に' and 'を' interchangeably, but they change the nuance slightly. While both are often acceptable, 'を警戒する' usually targets a specific entity (like a person or a thief), whereas 'に警戒する' often targets a phenomenon or a state (like a storm or a market crash). Misusing these won't always stop you from being understood, but it can make your Japanese sound slightly 'off' or overly formal in the wrong place.
❌ 彼は私に警戒している。(Grammatically okay, but '私を警戒している' is more common when he is wary of *you* specifically.)
A third mistake is failing to distinguish between '警戒' (vigilance) and '警備' (security/guarding). 警戒 is the mental state or the act of watching, while 警備 refers to the physical presence of guards or the system of protection. You can say '警備を強化する' (strengthen security) and '警戒を強める' (strengthen vigilance). If you mean there are more guards on the floor, use 警備. If you mean everyone is being more watchful, use 警戒. Confusing these two can lead to ambiguity in professional settings.
- Mistake 2: Confusing 警戒 with 警備
- '警戒' is the act of being alert. '警備' is the physical act of guarding. Example: '警備員が警戒している' (The security guard is being vigilant).
❌ このビルは警戒が厳しい。
✅ このビルは警備が厳しい。(This building has tight security.)
Finally, learners sometimes forget that 警戒 is a 'suru' verb. You cannot just say '警戒だ' to mean 'be careful' like you might say '危険だ' (It's dangerous). You must use the full verbal form '警戒してください' or the noun form in a proper sentence. Also, remember that '警戒心' (keikaishin) is the noun for the 'feeling' of wariness. If you want to say 'I feel wary,' you should say '警戒心を抱く' (keikaishin o idaku) or just '警戒する.' Using the wrong form can make your sentence grammatically incomplete.
❌ 彼は警戒だ。
✅ 彼は警戒している。(He is being vigilant/wary.)
- Summary of Nuance
- 注意 = General caution. 警戒 = High alert/surveillance. 警備 = Physical guarding. 用心 = Personal precaution/discretion.
To truly master 警戒, it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. The most common alternative is 注意 (chūi). While both mean 'caution,' 警戒 is much more specific and intense. You '注意' when you might trip on a step, but you '警戒' when you are in a dangerous neighborhood. 警戒 implies a specific threat that you are actively monitoring. Another close relative is 用心 (yōjin). 用心 is often used for personal safety and taking precautions, like locking your doors or not carrying too much cash. It's more about 'discretion' and 'carefulness' in a general sense.
- 警戒 (Keikai) vs. 注意 (Chūi)
- 警戒: Active surveillance of a potential threat (e.g., watching for a storm).
注意: General attention or being careful (e.g., paying attention to a teacher).
火の用心! (Be careful with fire! - A common traditional phrase using 'yōjin'.)
Then there is 警備 (keibi), which we touched upon earlier. This refers to the organizational or physical act of guarding. A building has '警備員' (security guards), and they are currently '警戒' (being vigilant). Another interesting word is 監視 (kanshi), which means 'surveillance' or 'monitoring.' While 警戒 is about being ready for danger, 監視 is just the act of watching something closely, often in a more clinical or controlling way (like a security camera or a heart monitor). You might 監視 a prisoner, but you 警戒 a potential escape attempt.
24時間体制で火山活動を監視している。(Monitoring volcanic activity 24 hours a day.)
In social psychology, 防御 (bōgyo) means 'defense.' If someone is being 警戒, they are often in a '防御的' (bōgyo-teki - defensive) posture. However, 警戒 is the mental state, while 防御 is the action of defending. For example, in a game, you might 警戒 an enemy's special move so that you can 防御 at the right time. Lastly, 油断 (yudan) is the perfect antonym. It means 'negligence' or 'letting one's guard down.' The famous phrase '油断大敵' (yudan taiteki) means 'negligence is the greatest enemy.' To avoid 油断, one must maintain 警戒.
- Synonym Comparison
- 用心 (Yōjin): Precautionary care (Personal).
警備 (Keibi): Professional guarding (Organizational).
監視 (Kanshi): Close monitoring/Observation (Technical).
注意 (Chūi): General attention (Daily).
一瞬の油断が事故につながる。(A moment of negligence leads to an accident.)
Choosing the right word depends on the context of the threat. If the threat is a person you don't trust, use 警戒. If it's a potential accident you want to avoid, use 注意. If it's a long-term safety measure, use 用心. If it's your job to protect a place, use 警備. By understanding these subtle differences, you can express yourself with the precision of a native speaker and better understand the gravity of the situations described in Japanese media.
そのボクサーは相手の左フックを警戒していた。(The boxer was wary of his opponent's left hook.)
- Advanced Alternative
- 峻拒 (Shunkyō): A very formal way to say 'sternly reject/guard against' (Rarely used in conversation).
How Formal Is It?
재미있는 사실
The character '戒' (Kai) depicts two hands holding a spear (戈), representing the act of guarding or being prepared for battle.
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing 'kei' as 'kee' (Incorrect).
- Pronouncing 'kai' as 'kay' (Incorrect).
- Adding a heavy stress on the first syllable like English 'KAY-kai'. Japanese should be flat.
- Confusing the long 'ei' in 'kei' with a short 'e'.
- Missing the 'i' sound at the end of 'kai'.
난이도
The kanji are N3-level, but the word is very common in media.
Writing '警' and '戒' correctly requires practice due to many strokes.
Pronunciation is simple and flat, easy to integrate into sentences.
Distinct sound, usually clear in news broadcasts.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Suru-verbs
警戒する、警戒します、警戒した。
Particle 'ni' for target of state
台風に警戒する。
Particle 'wo' for direct object of action
不審者を警戒する。
Noun + Shin (心) for psychological state
警戒心、好奇心、恐怖心。
Passive 'reru/rareru'
犯人は警察に警戒されている。
수준별 예문
警戒してください。
Please be on alert.
Simple imperative form of the verb 警戒する.
雨に警戒します。
I will watch out for the rain.
Using 'ni' to indicate the target of vigilance.
ここは警戒区域です。
This is an alert zone.
警戒区域 is a compound noun.
猫が警戒している。
The cat is being wary.
Present continuous form to show current state.
火に警戒してね。
Watch out for fire, okay?
Casual 'te' form for a soft command.
警戒レベル1です。
It is alert level 1.
Simple noun + copula (desu).
知らない人を警戒する。
To be wary of strangers.
Direct object 'wo' for the person being watched.
夜道は警戒が必要だ。
Vigilance is necessary on night roads.
Noun 警戒 + ga hitsuyou (is necessary).
台風に警戒が必要です。
Vigilance is needed for the typhoon.
Formal sentence structure for news or announcements.
不審な荷物に警戒してください。
Please be on the lookout for suspicious luggage.
Adjective 'fushin na' modifying the noun.
犬が知らない人に警戒しています。
The dog is wary of people it doesn't know.
Using 'ni' for the object of the cat's/dog's wariness.
警戒を怠らないでください。
Please do not neglect your vigilance.
Negative imperative form of '怠る' (okotaru).
彼は警戒心が強いですね。
He is very guarded, isn't he?
Using 'keikaishin' to describe personality.
警察が駅を警戒している。
The police are guarding the station.
Subject 'keisatsu' + object 'eki'.
雪道の運転は警戒が必要だ。
Driving on snowy roads requires alertness.
Gerund 'unten' (driving) as the subject.
戸締まりをして警戒する。
Lock the doors and stay alert.
Sequential actions using 'te' form.
大雨洪水警報が出て、住民は警戒を強めている。
A heavy rain and flood warning was issued, and residents are strengthening their vigilance.
Compound sentence with 'te' form connecting clauses.
投資家は世界経済の先行きを警戒している。
Investors are wary of the future of the global economy.
Abstract object 'sakiyuki' (future prospects).
彼女は新しい環境に対して警戒心を抱いている。
She feels wary of her new environment.
Idiom 'keikaishin o idaku' (to harbor wariness).
野生動物の出没に警戒を呼びかけている。
They are calling for vigilance against sightings of wild animals.
Verb 'yobikakeru' (to call for/appeal).
厳重な警戒態勢が敷かれている。
A strict security posture has been established.
Passive form 'shikarete iru' (is laid out/established).
相手のカウンターアタックを警戒して守備を固める。
Wary of the opponent's counterattack, they are strengthening their defense.
Reason/cause structure using 'te' form.
そのニュースを聞いて、人々は警戒を解いた。
Hearing that news, people lowered their guard.
Opposite action 'keikai o toku'.
ウイルス感染の再拡大に警戒が必要だ。
Vigilance is needed against the re-spread of the virus.
Abstract noun 'saikakudai' (re-expansion).
政府はサイバー攻撃を警戒し、セキュリティを強化した。
The government is on guard against cyberattacks and has strengthened security.
Using the stem form 'keikai-shi' as a conjunction (formal).
市場にはインフレ加速への警戒感が広がっている。
A sense of wariness toward accelerating inflation is spreading in the market.
Noun 'keikaikan' + verb 'hirogatte iru'.
犯人が武器を持っている可能性を警戒して、慎重に近づく。
Wary of the possibility that the criminal is armed, they approach cautiously.
Complex clause 'kanousei o keikai shite'.
彼は自分の過去について聞かれると、すぐに警戒する。
He immediately becomes guarded when asked about his past.
Conditional 'to' (whenever/if).
そのエリアは火山活動のため、入山が厳しく警戒されている。
Due to volcanic activity, entry to that mountain is strictly guarded.
Passive voice with an adverb 'kibishiku'.
警戒レベル5は、命を守るための最善の行動を求める段階だ。
Alert Level 5 is the stage where the best actions to save lives are required.
Defining a term using the 'wa... da' structure.
彼女の言葉には、相手を警戒させるような響きがあった。
There was a ring in her words that made the other person wary.
Causative form 'keikai saseru' (to make someone wary).
日銀は円安の進行を警戒する姿勢を見せている。
The Bank of Japan is showing a stance of being wary of the weakening yen.
Noun 'shisei' (stance/attitude) modified by a relative clause.
周辺諸国は、その国の軍拡を強く警戒している。
Neighboring countries are strongly wary of that nation's military buildup.
Political context with the adverb 'tsuyoku'.
彼は他人の好意の裏にある意図を警戒する癖がある。
He has a habit of being wary of the intentions behind others' kindness.
Noun 'kuse' (habit) modified by a complex clause.
未曾有の災害に対し、国を挙げての警戒態勢が敷かれた。
Against an unprecedented disaster, a nation-wide alert system was established.
Formal expression 'kuni o agete' (nation-wide).
企業秘密の漏洩を警戒して、社内の情報管理を徹底する。
Wary of leaking corporate secrets, we will enforce internal information management.
Business context with the verb 'tettei suru' (to be thorough).
野党は与党の強引な法案成立を警戒し、審議を拒否した。
The opposition party, wary of the ruling party's forced passage of the bill, refused deliberation.
Political terminology: 'yatou', 'youtou', 'shingi'.
その作家は、言葉が持つ扇動性を警戒しながら執筆した。
The author wrote while being wary of the inflammatory nature of words.
Abstract concept 'sendousei' (inflammatory nature).
バブル崩壊の兆候を警戒する声が各方面から上がっている。
Voices warning of signs of a bubble burst are rising from various quarters.
Idiom 'koe ga agaru' (voices are raised/heard).
AIの急速な発展がもたらす倫理的リスクを警戒すべきだ。
We should be wary of the ethical risks brought about by the rapid development of AI.
Auxiliary verb 'beki da' (should).
権力の腐敗を警戒し、常に監視の目を光らせる必要がある。
It is necessary to be wary of the corruption of power and always keep a watchful eye.
Metaphorical expression 'me o hikaraseru' (to keep a sharp eye).
彼は、自身のアイデンティティが損なわれることを極度に警戒していた。
He was extremely wary of his identity being compromised.
Passive potential 'sononawareru' (to be damaged/compromised).
歴史の教訓を忘却することを警戒し、記録を後世に語り継ぐ。
Wary of forgetting the lessons of history, we pass down records to future generations.
Formal verb 'katari-tsugu' (to hand down a story).
その外交官は、一言半句の失言も許されない警戒心を持って交渉に臨んだ。
The diplomat approached the negotiations with a sense of wariness where not even a single word's slip-up was allowed.
Idiom 'ichigon-hanku' (a single word/syllable).
テクノロジーへの過度な依存が人間性を奪うことを、彼は深く警戒していた。
He was deeply wary that excessive dependence on technology would rob us of our humanity.
Abstract philosophical context.
市場の過熱を警戒する当局の介入により、相場は一時的に沈静化した。
Due to the intervention of authorities wary of market overheating, the market temporarily stabilized.
Complex causal structure with 'ni yori'.
全体主義の萌芽を警戒し、個人の自由を死守する姿勢が問われている。
The stance of guarding against the sprouts of totalitarianism and defending individual freedom is being questioned.
Metaphorical 'houga' (sprouts/beginnings).
科学の進歩が倫理を超越することを警戒する哲学的議論が交わされた。
Philosophical debates were exchanged regarding the wariness that scientific progress might transcend ethics.
Formal passive 'kawasa-reta' (were exchanged).
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— Be on alert for landslides. Common in weather reports.
山沿いの方は土砂災害に警戒してください。
— Be on the lookout for suspicious persons. Common in neighborhood safety signs.
近所で不審者に警戒するよう回覧板が回ってきた。
— To harbor or feel a sense of wariness toward someone/something.
彼はその甘い言葉に警戒心を抱いた。
— To urge or prompt someone to be vigilant.
当局はウイルスへの警戒を促している。
— To relax one's vigilance or lower one's guard.
敵が去ったと思って警戒を緩めてはいけない。
— The highest level of vigilance. Used for extreme weather or threats.
過去最大級の警戒が必要です。
— A look of wariness (on someone's face).
彼の顔に警戒の色が浮かんだ。
— To set up a net of vigilance/surveillance.
警察は逃走経路に警戒網を張った。
— To call for vigilance/alertness from the public.
知事は県民に警戒を呼び掛けた。
— To direct a watchful eye toward something.
世界中がその国の動向に警戒の目を向けている。
자주 혼동되는 단어
Attention/Caution. Much more common for small, daily things.
Precaution. Focuses on personal care and being prudent.
Security. Refers to the physical job of a guard.
관용어 및 표현
— Don't let your guard down. A common command in serious situations.
敵はまだ近くにいる。警戒を怠るな。
Informal/Direct— To show one's wariness/hostility openly.
彼は初対面の人に警戒心を剥き出しにした。
Neutral— To be extremely vigilant.
サミットの会場周辺は警戒を極めている。
Formal— A feeling of wariness.
その提案に対して警戒の念を禁じ得ない。
Formal— To set up a cordon or a line of vigilance.
火災現場の周囲に警戒線が張られた。
Neutral— To lower one's psychological guard.
美味しい食事を囲んで、ようやく彼は警戒心を解いた。
Neutral— To be in charge of vigilance/guarding.
夜間は交代で警戒に当たる。
Formal— A state of strict alert (shorthand for 厳重な警戒態勢).
街は厳戒態勢に入った。
Formal— To step up vigilance.
不審火が続いているため、住民は警戒を強めている。
Neutral— To require vigilance.
この病気は二次感染に警戒を要する。
Formal혼동하기 쉬운
Both start with 'Kei' (warning).
Keikoku is a verbal or written warning/admonishment given to someone. Keikai is the act of being alert.
イエローカードで警告を与える (Give a warning with a yellow card).
Both are used in weather.
Keihou is the 'alarm' or 'warning' itself (the announcement). Keikai is the state of 'alert' people should be in.
大雨警報が発表された (A heavy rain warning was issued).
Both involve watching.
Kanshi is monitoring/surveillance (neutral or clinical). Keikai is watching specifically for danger.
モニターで監視する (Monitor via screen).
Both relate to protection.
Bōei is 'defense' (military or legal). Keikai is 'readiness'.
正当防衛 (Self-defense).
Both relate to fearing a bad outcome.
Kigu is 'apprehension' or 'worry' about a future possibility. Keikai is active alertness.
絶滅が危惧される (Extinction is feared).
문장 패턴
[Danger] に 警戒してください。
雨に警戒してください。
[Subject] は 警戒心が強い。
彼は警戒心が強い。
[Action] を 警戒して、[Result]。
スリを警戒して、カバンを前に持つ。
[Organization] は [Event] への 警戒を強めている。
警察はテロへの警戒を強めている。
[Abstract Risk] への 警戒感が広がっている。
インフレへの警戒感が広がっている。
[Situation] に 鑑み、警戒態勢を敷く。
不測の事態に鑑み、警戒態勢を敷く。
警戒中 (Keikai-chū)
パトロール警戒中。
警戒を怠る (Keikai o okotaru)
警戒を怠ってはいけない。
어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
사용법
High (especially in news, safety, and business)
-
Using 警戒 for 'be careful' with coffee.
→
注意してください。
警戒 is for serious threats or high alert, not minor daily accidents.
-
Saying '警戒だ' to mean 'It's an alert.'
→
警戒中だ or 警戒が必要だ。
警戒 is a noun/suru-verb and usually needs a supporting verb or suffix.
-
Confusing 警戒 with 警備.
→
警備員が警戒している。
Keibi is the physical guarding; Keikai is the state of alertness.
-
Using 警戒 for 'worrying' about a test.
→
心配している or 不安だ。
警戒 is about watching for danger, not general anxiety about performance.
-
Misplacing the particle: 泥棒に警戒する vs 泥棒を警戒する.
→
Both are used, but 'wo' is better for the specific thief.
Use 'wo' for the target of your watch and 'ni' for the situation you are alert to.
팁
J-Alerts
If your phone makes a loud siren sound in Japan, look for the word 警戒. It usually follows a location and a danger type (e.g., 津波警戒).
Suru-Verb usage
Remember that 警戒 is a noun that becomes a verb. '警戒する' is the active form. Don't forget the 'suru'!
Building Trust
If someone has a high 警戒心, the best way to lower it is through consistent, polite interaction (Aisatsu) over time.
Kanji Roots
The '言' in '警' means words. Think of it as 'words of warning.' The '戒' looks like a person with a weapon. Combined: 'Warn and Guard.'
News Keywords
In news broadcasts, 警戒 is often followed by 'を強めています' (is strengthening vigilance). This is a set phrase to listen for.
Public Signs
Signs saying '特別警戒実施中' are common in stations. It just means security is higher than usual; no need to panic!
Disaster Prep
Learning the 5 levels of 警戒 is part of basic life skills in Japan. Level 4 is the one where you should actually leave your house.
Pet Behavior
When a cat's ears go back, it is in a state of 警戒. It's a great word to use when observing wildlife or pets.
Market Talk
In business, if someone says they are '警戒している' regarding a deal, it means they are looking for hidden risks. Be prepared with data!
K-9 Alert
Just think of a 'K-9' unit. K-9 sounds like 'Kei-nai' which is close enough to 'Kei-kai' to help you remember 'Police Dog Alert'.
암기하기
기억법
Think of a 'K-9' (Kei-kai) police dog. They are always on high alert and 'vigilant' for any trouble.
시각적 연상
Imagine a person standing on a watchtower (警) with a spear (戒) in their hand, looking at the horizon for enemies.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to spot the word 警戒 on a Japanese news website (like NHK) today. It is almost guaranteed to be there in the weather or social sections.
어원
Composed of two Sino-Japanese characters (Kanji). '警' (Kei) and '戒' (Kai).
원래 의미: To warn and to admonish/command. It originated from military and legal terminology in ancient China and Japan.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).문화적 맥락
When describing a person as having high '警戒心,' be careful not to sound like you are criticizing them for being unfriendly. It can be a neutral observation of their personality.
In English, 'vigilance' sounds very formal. In Japanese, 警戒 is used in many more everyday situations, like describing a shy cat or a cautious investor.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
Weather Forecast
- 大雨に警戒
- 強風に警戒
- 警戒レベル4
- 警戒を呼び掛ける
Crime Prevention
- 不審者に警戒
- スリに警戒
- 警戒を強める
- 特別警戒中
Finance/Economy
- インフレを警戒
- 市場の警戒感
- 先行きを警戒
- 警戒買い (Cautious buying)
Animals/Nature
- クマの出没に警戒
- 猫が警戒している
- 警戒心を解く
- 警戒音 (Warning call)
Sports
- エースを警戒
- カウンターを警戒
- 警戒を怠らない
- 守備を警戒
대화 시작하기
"最近、この辺りで不審者が出たらしいから、警戒したほうがいいよ。"
"台風が来てるけど、何か警戒してることはある?"
"あの猫、全然こっちに来ないね。すごく警戒してるみたい。"
"投資をする時、どんなリスクを一番警戒しますか?"
"新しい人に会う時、警戒心が強いほうですか?"
일기 주제
今日、ニュースで「警戒」という言葉を何回聞きましたか?どんな文脈でしたか?
あなたが一番「警戒」していることは何ですか?(健康、お金、人間関係など)
自分が「警戒心を解いた」と感じる瞬間はどんな時ですか?
日本の災害対策(警戒レベルなど)についてどう思いますか?
知らない場所を旅行する時、どのように警戒をしていますか?
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Use 警戒 for serious threats like natural disasters, crimes, or when someone is being very guarded. Use 注意 for general things like 'watch your step' or 'pay attention to the teacher.'
It is less common than 注意 in casual talk, but you'll hear it often when discussing news, safety, or someone's personality (using 'keikaishin').
Not exactly. If someone is shy *and* wary of you, you can use 'keikaishin ga tsuyoi.' If they are just shy/quiet, use 'hazukashigariya' or 'hitomishiri.'
It refers to the 1-5 scale used for disaster evacuation. Level 3 means elderly should evacuate; Level 4 means everyone should evacuate; Level 5 means immediate danger to life.
Yes, very often! Stealth games use it to show an enemy's alert status (e.g., '警戒状態' - alert state).
警戒 is the mental state of being alert. 警備 is the physical act of guarding a place with people or equipment.
You can say 'そんなに警戒しないで' (Sonna ni keikai shinaide).
Almost never. It is fundamentally about preventing negative outcomes or danger.
It is a 'Restricted Area' or 'Alert Zone' where people are often barred from entering due to danger (like after a nuclear accident or landslide).
It is 警戒. The first part '警' has 19 strokes, and '戒' has 7 strokes. It's a good one to practice!
셀프 테스트 200 질문
Write a sentence using '警戒' to warn about a storm.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a person who is very guarded using '警戒心'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The police are on alert for the criminal.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Alert Level 4 has been issued.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use '警戒を強める' in a sentence about security.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short dialogue where someone tells a friend to be alert at night.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe why a cat might be '警戒している'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Investors are wary of inflation.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use '警戒を怠る' in a sentence about a mistake.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Please lower your guard and relax.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a news-style headline about a bear sighting and vigilance.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use '警戒感' in a sentence about a meeting.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'This area is an alert zone.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a goalkeeper being wary of a striker.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The alert was lifted this morning.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use '警戒網' in a sentence about a search.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Ethical risks of AI require vigilance.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '警戒' and '注意' together.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He is extremely wary of his past being known.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a firewall being on alert.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say 'Please be alert for heavy rain' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'He is very guarded' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'The cat is being wary' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Don't let your guard down' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Vigilance is necessary at night' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'The alert was lifted' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'I am wary of that person' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Strengthen the vigilance' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Explain '警戒レベル4' simply in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Be careful of suspicious luggage' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'The dog barked vigilantly' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Investors are wary' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'It is an alert zone' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Lower your guard' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Strict vigilance is being carried out' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Be on alert for the typhoon' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'A sense of wariness is spreading' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Special alert in progress' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'I feel wary of the future' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Watch out for pickpockets' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Listen to the word: 'けいかい'. What does it mean?
Listen to the sentence: '大雨に警戒してください。' What is the danger?
Listen to the sentence: '彼は警戒心が強い。' Is he trusting?
Listen to the sentence: '警戒レベル3が発表されました。' What level is it?
Listen to the sentence: '警戒を解きました。' Is the alert still on?
Listen to the sentence: '不審者に警戒してください。' Who should you watch for?
Listen to the sentence: '厳重な警戒が行われています。' Is the security light or heavy?
Listen to the sentence: '猫が警戒している。' How is the cat feeling?
Listen to the sentence: '市場に警戒感が広がった。' Where is the wariness spreading?
Listen to the sentence: '警戒を怠らないで。' What should you not do?
Listen to the sentence: 'ここは警戒区域です。' Can you enter?
Listen to the sentence: 'インフレを警戒する。' What is the concern?
Listen to the sentence: '特別警戒実施中。' What is happening?
Listen to the sentence: '彼は警戒心を剥き出しにした。' Did he hide his feelings?
Listen to the sentence: '津波に警戒が必要だ。' What is the alert for?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
警戒 is the essential Japanese word for 'vigilance.' Whether you are listening to a typhoon warning (大雨に警戒) or describing a cautious friend (警戒心が強い), it conveys a proactive, defensive mindset aimed at preventing harm before it happens.
- 警戒 (Keikai) means to be on high alert or watchful for potential danger, threats, or suspicious activity in both physical and psychological contexts.
- It is commonly used in weather reports for natural disasters, police security measures, and describing a person's guarded or wary personality.
- Grammatically, it functions as a noun or a 'suru' verb, frequently appearing with particles 'wo' for specific targets or 'ni' for general situations.
- It is more intense than 'chūi' (attention), implying active surveillance and a readiness to respond to a specific, serious threat or risk.
J-Alerts
If your phone makes a loud siren sound in Japan, look for the word 警戒. It usually follows a location and a danger type (e.g., 津波警戒).
Suru-Verb usage
Remember that 警戒 is a noun that becomes a verb. '警戒する' is the active form. Don't forget the 'suru'!
Building Trust
If someone has a high 警戒心, the best way to lower it is through consistent, polite interaction (Aisatsu) over time.
Kanji Roots
The '言' in '警' means words. Think of it as 'words of warning.' The '戒' looks like a person with a weapon. Combined: 'Warn and Guard.'
예시
厳重に警戒します。
관련 콘텐츠
Social 관련 단어
承認
A1요청, 계획 또는 상태와 같은 것을 공식적으로 수락하거나 승인하는 행위. 권위자가 승인했거나 사실을 유효한 것으로 인정했음을 나타내기 위해 공식적 또는 전문적인 문맥에서 자주 사용됩니다.
帰属
C1특정 집단이나 조직에 속하는 상태.
意識
A1사고 후 환자는 의식을 잃었다.
裏切り
A1신뢰나 충성을 저버리는 행위. 약속을 어기거나 아군을 버리고 적의 편에 서는 것을 의미합니다.
お辞儀
A1경의나 감사, 사죄의 뜻을 나타내기 위해 머리를 숙이는 일본의 전통적인 동작.
使命
A1나의 사명은 사람들에게 희망을 주는 것이다.
配慮
A1다른 사람이나 사물에 대해 마음을 써서 보살핌.
慎重
A1주의 깊고 경솔하게 행동하지 않는 것. 리스크를 피하고 충분히 생각한 후에 행동하는 태도.
争い
A1둘 이상의 당사자 간의 갈등, 분쟁 또는 경쟁. 사소한 말다툼부터 대규모 투쟁에 이르기까지 무언가를 두고 의견이 다르거나 싸우는 상태를 의미한다.
抗争
A1대립하는 집단, 파벌 또는 조직 간의 심각한 투쟁이나 갈등.