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Vocabulary
주의하다

A2 verb 10 min read

주의하다

juuihada

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 주의하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 주의하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand '주의하다' as a basic way to say 'be careful' or 'look out.' You will mostly see this on signs or hear it in very simple warnings. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex Hanja roots. Just remember that it is often used with the particle '에' to point at what you should watch out for. For example, '차에 주의하세요' (Be careful of cars). It is slightly more formal than '조심하세요,' but both are useful. You will hear it in public places like subways or parks. Think of it as a 'yellow light' word—it tells you to slow down and look around. In your own speaking, you can use it to tell someone to pay attention to your words: '제 말에 주의하세요' (Please pay attention to what I am saying). It's a helpful word for staying safe and following basic instructions in Korea.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '주의하다' in more specific contexts beyond simple safety. You should be able to use it when talking about health, schoolwork, or social manners. For instance, '감기에 주의하세요' (Be careful not to catch a cold) is a very common phrase during winter. You will also notice it being used by teachers to highlight important parts of a lesson: '이 문법에 주의하세요' (Pay attention to this grammar). You should start to distinguish between '주의하다' (paying attention to details/warnings) and '조심하다' (avoiding physical danger). At this level, you can also use the noun form '주의' in simple sentences like '주의가 필요해요' (Attention is needed). You are expected to use the polite '-세요' or '-해요' endings with this verb in most daily situations.

At the B1 level, '주의하다' becomes a tool for professional and descriptive communication. You should be comfortable using it in the workplace or when giving detailed advice. For example, instead of just saying 'be careful,' you might say '개인정보 유출에 주의해야 합니다' (We must be careful about personal information leaks). You will encounter the word in news reports, weather forecasts, and instructional manuals. You should also be familiar with related nouns like '주의사항' (precautions/matters to note). At this stage, you should start using the collocation '주의를 기울이다' (to devote attention to) to sound more natural and sophisticated in writing. You will also understand the nuance of '주의' as a formal warning given by an authority figure. Your ability to use '주의하다' with various connectors like '~도록' (so that) or '~기 위해' (in order to) will demonstrate your growing proficiency.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the formal and technical nuances of '주의하다.' You will see it used in legal warnings, medical advice, and academic critiques. You should be able to distinguish it from highly formal synonyms like '유의하다' (to keep in mind) or '경계하다' (to be vigilant). In discussions, you might use it to point out subtle details: '작가의 표현 기법에 주의해서 보면...' (If you look carefully at the author's expression techniques...). You are expected to use it in the passive or causative forms if necessary, although these are less common. You should also understand idiomatic uses and how the word changes meaning slightly in different professional domains, such as finance (risk management) or medicine (patient monitoring). Your usage should reflect an understanding of Korean social hierarchy, choosing '주의하다' over '조심하다' when a professional distance is required.

At the C1 level, '주의하다' is used with high precision in academic and literary contexts. You will analyze how '주의' (attention) functions as a psychological or philosophical concept in Korean texts. You should be able to use the word to describe complex social phenomena, such as '대중의 주의를 끌다' (to attract public attention) or '주의가 산만하다' (to be easily distracted/have a wandering mind). You will encounter the word in classical literature or high-level editorials where it might be paired with advanced Hanja-based vocabulary. Your ability to use '주의' as a prefix or suffix in compound words (like '주의력' - power of concentration) should be fluid. You will also understand the historical development of the word and its role in formal Korean rhetoric. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are mastering its subtle implications in tone and intent.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '주의하다' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use it to navigate the most complex linguistic environments, from high-court legal proceedings to abstract philosophical debates. You understand the deepest nuances between '주의,' '유의,' '착안,' and '관조.' You can use '주의' in its most abstract forms, such as discussing the 'economy of attention' (주의 경제) in modern digital society. You can effortlessly switch between colloquial warnings and highly stylized, formal admonitions. Your writing will use '주의를 환기시키다' (to call someone's attention to something) and other sophisticated idioms with perfect timing. At this level, '주의하다' is no longer just a verb about being careful; it is a versatile tool for managing focus, risk, and social dynamics in the most sophisticated Korean discourse.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

주의하다 in 30 Seconds

주의하다 is a formal verb meaning 'to pay attention' or 'to be careful.'
It is commonly used with the particle ~에 to indicate the focus of attention.
Unlike 조심하다, it is often used for mental focus and official warnings.
You will see it frequently on Korean safety signs and hear it in subway announcements.

The Korean verb 주의하다 (ju-ui-ha-da) is a foundational term that every learner must master, especially as they transition from basic survival Korean to more nuanced communication. At its core, it translates to 'to pay attention,' 'to be careful,' or 'to take heed.' It is derived from the Hanja characters 注 (ju - to pour/concentrate) and 意 (ui - mind/intention). Literally, it means to pour one's mind or intention into something. This lexical background helps explain why it is used in contexts ranging from physical safety to intellectual focus.

Daily Safety: When walking on a slippery road or handling sharp objects, Koreans use this word to warn others or remind themselves to be cautious. It is often seen on yellow warning signs across Korea.
Academic Focus: In a classroom setting, a teacher might tell students to pay attention to a specific grammar point or a tricky spelling. Here, it implies mental concentration rather than physical safety.

길이 미끄러우니까 주의하세요. (The road is slippery, so please be careful.)

Unlike the word '조심하다' (jo-sim-ha-da), which is more focused on avoiding immediate physical danger, '주의하다' has a broader scope that includes paying attention to details, rules, and etiquette. For instance, you '주의' (pay attention) to your health or '주의' (take note) of a specific instruction. It is a formal and semi-formal staple in news broadcasts, public announcements, and professional feedback.

건강에 주의해야 합니다. (You must pay attention to your health.)

Formal Announcements: Subway announcements frequently use this word: '내리실 때 발 빠짐에 주의하시기 바랍니다' (Please be careful of the gap when you get off).

이 부분은 특별히 주의해서 읽어 주세요. (Please read this part with special attention.)

In social contexts, '주의하다' can also refer to being mindful of one's words or behavior to avoid offending others. It carries a sense of mindfulness and intentionality. If someone tells you to '말조심해' (watch your mouth), it's informal and blunt. If they say '언어 사용에 주의해 주세요' (Please pay attention to your language use), it is professional and corrective. Understanding this word allows you to navigate Korean society with the appropriate level of caution and respect.

공공장소에서는 소음에 주의합시다. (Let's be careful of noise in public places.)

Technical Contexts: In manuals or legal documents, '주의사항' (matters to be careful of/precautions) is the standard heading for safety instructions.

사용 설명서의 주의 사항을 확인하세요. (Check the precautions in the user manual.)

Using 주의하다 correctly involves understanding its interaction with particles and its placement in various sentence structures. While it is a verb, it often functions as a command or a necessary condition in instructional Korean. The most common particle associated with this verb is ~에, which marks the object or situation that requires your attention. For example, '차에 주의하다' (to be careful of cars) or '감기에 주의하다' (to be careful of catching a cold).

The ~에 Particle: The particle ~에 is essential because it indicates the target of your focus. It answers the question 'What should I be careful of?'.

환절기에는 감기에 주의해야 합니다. (During the change of seasons, you must be careful of colds.)

Another common structure is using the object particle ~을/를. This is typically used when '주의하다' means 'to pay attention to' a specific thing as an active task, such as '태도를 주의하다' (to watch one's attitude). However, in most safety contexts, ~에 is preferred. In formal writing, you will often see the noun form '주의' combined with '기울이다' (to lean/devote), resulting in '주의를 기울이다' (to devote attention to), which is a high-level collocation.

선생님은 학생들에게 질문에 주의하라고 하셨다. (The teacher told the students to pay attention to the questions.)

Conditional Usage: Using ~면 (if) or ~어야 (must) with 주의하다 is very common in advice. '주의하면 사고를 예방할 수 있다' (If you are careful, you can prevent accidents).

음식을 먹을 때 위생에 주의하면 배탈이 안 나요. (If you pay attention to hygiene when eating, you won't get an upset stomach.)

In spoken Korean, '주의하다' can feel a bit stiff compared to '조심하다'. If you are shouting to a friend to watch out for a car, '조심해!' is natural. If you are a doctor advising a patient on their diet, '식단에 주의하세요' is more professional. This distinction in register is crucial for learners who want to sound natural. Furthermore, '주의하다' is often linked with the adverb '특별히' (specially) or '항상' (always) to emphasize the level of care required.

이 기계는 뜨거우니 항상 주의해야 합니다. (This machine is hot, so you must always be careful.)

Complex Sentences: '주의하다' can be the main verb or a supporting clause. '주의해서 살펴보니' (Looking carefully...) is a common way to start a sentence describing a discovery.

글씨를 주의해서 쓰지 않으면 알아보기 힘들어요. (If you don't write the letters carefully, they are hard to recognize.)

In South Korea, you are surrounded by the word 주의. It is one of the most visible Hanja-based words in the public sphere. If you take the Seoul Metro, you will hear the automated voice reminding you to '주의' about the gap between the platform and the train. If you visit a construction site, large red and yellow signs will scream '추락 주의' (Beware of falling) or '낙석 주의' (Beware of falling rocks). It is the language of public safety and institutional guidance.

Public Transportation: '발 빠짐 주의' is a phrase every commuter knows. It appears on the floor of train stations and in audio announcements.

승강장과 열차 사이가 넓으니 주의하시기 바랍니다. (The gap between the platform and the train is wide, so please be careful.)

In the media, weather forecasters use '주의하다' constantly. When a fine dust (미세먼지) warning is issued, they advise citizens to '호흡기 질환에 주의하세요' (Be careful of respiratory diseases). During the summer, they warn about '폭염에 주의' (Be careful of the heatwave). It is the standard verb for health and weather advisories. If you watch K-Dramas, you might hear a doctor or a boss using this word to provide stern yet professional advice to a protagonist.

내일부터 기온이 급격히 떨어지니 건강 관리에 주의하십시오. (Since the temperature will drop sharply from tomorrow, please take care of your health.)

Educational Settings: Teachers use it to highlight important exam topics. '시험에 자주 나오는 표현이니 주의해서 보세요' (This is an expression that often appears on exams, so look at it carefully).

이 문제는 함정이 있으니 주의해서 풀어야 해요. (This problem has a trap, so you must solve it carefully.)

In the digital world, you'll encounter '스포일러 주의' (Spoiler Alert) on blogs and YouTube comments. It's also used in security contexts like '해킹 주의' (Beware of hacking) or '개인정보 유출 주의' (Beware of personal information leaks). In essence, whenever there is a need for heightened awareness or a potential risk—whether it's a physical cliff or a digital scam—'주의하다' is the verb of choice. It bridges the gap between a simple 'watch out' and a formal 'precautionary measure.'

게시물에 스포일러가 포함되어 있으니 주의하세요. (The post contains spoilers, so please be careful.)

Legal and Official: Police might issue a '주의' to someone committing a minor infraction before giving a formal ticket or arrest.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 주의하다 is confusing it with 조심하다. While they both mean 'to be careful,' their usage patterns differ. '조심하다' is more colloquial and focuses on avoiding physical harm or making a mistake in a specific action. '주의하다' is more about the mental state of paying attention or following a formal warning. For example, you '조심' when crossing a street, but you '주의' to a specific sign or a set of rules.

Particle Confusion: Learners often use the object particle ~을/를 when they should use ~에. While '건강을 주의하다' is sometimes heard, '건강에 주의하다' is the standard grammatical form for 'paying attention to health.'

❌ 감기를 주의하세요. (Less natural)
✅ 감기에 주의하세요. (Correct)

Another mistake is using '주의하다' in urgent, life-threatening situations where a quick 'Watch out!' is needed. If a piano is falling from a window, shouting '주의하십시오!' is too long and formal; the person will be hit before you finish the word. In such cases, '조심해!' or '피해!' (Move!) is the correct choice. '주의하다' is for situations where you have time to think and focus.

❌ (To a friend about to trip): 주의해! (Too formal/slow)
✅ (To a friend about to trip): 조심해! (Natural)

Overusing the Noun Form: Some learners use '주의를 하다' instead of '주의하다'. While not strictly wrong, the contracted form '주의하다' is much more common as a verb.

Finally, confusing '주의하다' with '집중하다' (to concentrate) is common. '집중하다' is used when you are giving 100% of your mental energy to a single task, like studying or a game. '주의하다' is more about being alert to potential issues or specific details within a broader context. You '주의' to the fine print in a contract, but you '집중' on the work you are doing.

❌ 공부할 때 주의해야 해요. (You should be careful when studying?)
✅ 공부할 때 집중해야 해요. (You should concentrate when studying.)

To truly enrich your Korean vocabulary, you must understand how 주의하다 sits within a family of related verbs. Depending on the level of formality and the specific type of 'care' you are taking, you might choose a different word. Below is a comparison of common alternatives.

주의하다 vs. 조심하다: 주의하다: Formal, intellectual, focus on details or warnings. (e.g., Pay attention to spelling).
조심하다: Colloquial, physical, focus on avoiding danger. (e.g., Watch out for the car!).
주의하다 vs. 유의하다 (Yu-ui-ha-da): 유의하다: Even more formal than 주의하다. It means 'to keep in mind' or 'to take note of.' Often used in official documents or academic writing regarding rules or guidelines.

다음 사항에 유의해 주시기 바랍니다. (Please keep the following points in mind - Very Formal.)

Other words include 경계하다 (gyeong-gye-ha-da), which means to be on guard or stay vigilant against a threat (like a soldier or a security guard), and 집중하다 (jip-jung-ha-da), which means to concentrate intensely on a task. If you are looking for a more descriptive way to say someone is being careful, you might use 신중하다 (sin-jung-ha-da), which means to be prudent or cautious in decision-making.

Comparison Table

주의: Attention/Alertness (General)
조심: Caution/Safety (Everyday)
유의: Mindful/Noting (Professional)
경계: Vigilance (Threat-based)
신중: Prudence (Decision-based)

결정을 내릴 때는 신중해야 합니다. (You must be prudent when making a decision.)

In summary, while '주의하다' is your 'all-rounder' word for being careful and paying attention, knowing these alternatives allows you to match your language to the specific situation. Whether you are warning a child about a hot stove (조심해), advising a colleague on a project (주의해), or writing a formal policy (유의해), you now have the tools to choose the perfect word.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 注 (ju) is the same one used in 'injection' (주사), suggesting the idea of 'injecting' your mind into a task.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ɕu.i.ɦa.da/

US /t͡ʃu.i.hɑ.dɑ/

Stress is evenly distributed in Korean, but a slight emphasis on 'ui' is common.

Rhymes With

준비하다 (jun-bi-ha-da) 수리하다 (su-ri-ha-da) 요리하다 (yo-ri-ha-da) 동의하다 (dong-ui-ha-da) 회의하다 (hoe-ui-ha-da) 무시하다 (mu-si-ha-da) 표시하다 (pyo-si-ha-da) 제외하다 (je-oe-ha-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ui' as 'u-i' (two syllables) instead of a diphthong.
Aspirating the 'j' sound too much like an English 'j'.
Making the 'h' silent like in French.
Pronouncing 'da' as a sharp 'ta'.
Failing to link 'ui' and 'ha' smoothly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize on signs once you know the Hanja or the word.

Writing 3/5

Spelling '주의' can be tricky for beginners (ui vs i).

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct particle usage (~에) to sound natural.

Listening 2/5

Very common in announcements; easy to pick out.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

하다 조심하다 말 길 차

Learn Next

유의하다 집중하다 경계하다 신중하다 상세하다

Advanced

주의를 환기시키다 각별하다 소홀하다 방심

Grammar to Know

~에 (Particle for direction/target)

건강에 주의하세요.

~어서/아서 (Reason/Manner)

주의해서 읽으세요.

~어야 하다 (Obligation)

항상 주의해야 합니다.

~도록 (So that)

사고가 나지 않도록 주의하세요.

~기 바랍니다 (Polite request)

주의하시기 바랍니다.

Examples by Level

차에 주의하세요.

Be careful of cars.

Uses the ~에 particle to indicate the object of caution.

제 말에 주의하세요.

Pay attention to my words.

Simple command form with -세요.

길이 미끄러우니 주의해요.

The road is slippery, so be careful.

Uses -니 as a reason connector.

불에 주의하세요.

Be careful of fire.

Basic noun + 에 + 주의하다 structure.

여기서 주의해야 해요.

You must be careful here.

-어야 하다 indicates obligation.

개 조심, 아니 주의하세요.

Watch out for the dog... I mean, be careful.

Shows the slight correction from colloquial to formal.

가방에 주의하세요.

Be careful with your bag.

Used to prevent theft or loss.

문이 닫히니 주의하세요.

The door is closing, so be careful.

Common public announcement phrase.

감기에 주의해야 하는 날씨예요.

It's weather where you need to be careful of colds.

Modifying a noun (날씨) with the verb.

단어의 철자에 주의해서 쓰세요.

Write while paying attention to the spelling of the words.

-어서 indicates the manner of the action.

음식의 유통기한에 주의하세요.

Pay attention to the expiration date of the food.

Focusing on a specific detail (expiration date).

공공장소에서는 소음에 주의해야 합니다.

You must be careful of noise in public places.

Formal ending -합니다 used for rules.

계단을 내려갈 때 주의하세요.

Be careful when going down the stairs.

-을 때 indicates the time of the action.

발음에 주의하면서 연습하세요.

Practice while paying attention to your pronunciation.

-으면서 indicates simultaneous actions.

교통법규에 주의하며 운전하세요.

Drive while paying attention to traffic laws.

-며 is a shortened form of -으면서.

돈 관리에 주의할 필요가 있어요.

There is a need to be careful with money management.

-을 필요가 있다 means 'there is a need to'.

개인 정보 유출에 각별히 주의하시기 바랍니다.

Please be especially careful about personal information leaks.

각별히 (especially) often collocated with 주의하다.

작업 중에는 안전 사고에 항상 주의해야 합니다.

During work, you must always be careful of safety accidents.

중 (during) sets the context for caution.

상대방의 기분이 상하지 않도록 말에 주의하세요.

Be careful with your words so as not to hurt the other person's feelings.

-지 않도록 means 'so that something doesn't happen'.

이 약을 복용할 때는 부작용에 주의해야 합니다.

When taking this medicine, you must be careful of side effects.

Medical context usage.

환경 변화에 주의를 기울이면 문제를 찾을 수 있습니다.

If you pay attention to environmental changes, you can find the problem.

Uses the idiom '주의를 기울이다'.

낯선 사람을 따라가지 않도록 주의를 주었습니다.

I gave a warning not to follow strangers.

Uses '주의를 주다' (to give a warning).

인터넷 쇼핑을 할 때는 사기에 주의해야 해요.

When shopping online, you must be careful of scams.

Modern digital context.

글의 흐름에 주의하며 책을 읽어 보세요.

Try reading the book while paying attention to the flow of the text.

Focusing on abstract concepts (flow).

계약서를 작성할 때는 독소 조항에 주의해야 합니다.

When drafting a contract, you must be careful of 'poison pill' clauses.

Professional/Legal context.

신제품 개발 시 보안 유지에 각별한 주의가 요구됩니다.

When developing new products, special attention is required for maintaining security.

Noun form '주의' used with '요구되다' (to be required).

그의 행동이 평소와 다른 점에 주의해 볼 필요가 있다.

It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that his behavior is different from usual.

-어 볼 필요가 있다 (need to try/consider).

번역을 할 때는 문화적 차이에 주의를 기울여야 합니다.

When translating, you must pay attention to cultural differences.

Abstract professional concept.

투자할 때는 시장의 변동성에 항상 주의하십시오.

When investing, always be careful of market volatility.

Financial context.

실험 결과가 왜곡되지 않도록 변수 통제에 주의했다.

I paid attention to controlling variables so the experimental results wouldn't be distorted.

Scientific/Academic context.

언론은 보도 내용의 객관성에 주의를 기울여야 할 의무가 있다.

The media has an obligation to pay attention to the objectivity of their reports.

Social responsibility context.

기계의 노후화로 인한 오작동에 주의하시기 바랍니다.

Please be careful of malfunctions caused by the aging of the machinery.

Technical/Maintenance context.

논문의 논리적 일관성이 결여되지 않도록 주의를 기울였다.

I paid close attention to ensure the thesis did not lack logical consistency.

High-level academic writing.

현대 사회에서 정보의 홍수 속에 주의력이 결핍되기 쉽다.

In modern society, it is easy to suffer from a lack of attention amidst a flood of information.

Using '주의력' (attention span/power).

정부는 인구 고령화 문제에 더 많은 주의를 기울여야 한다.

The government must pay more attention to the problem of an aging population.

Policy-level discussion.

작가는 인물의 심리 묘사에 세심한 주의를 기울여 서술했다.

The author narrated with meticulous attention to the psychological description of the characters.

Literary analysis.

외교적 수사에서 단어 하나하나의 선택에 주의해야 한다.

In diplomatic rhetoric, one must be careful with the choice of every single word.

Diplomatic/High-stakes context.

역사적 사실을 해석할 때 편향된 시각을 갖지 않도록 주의해야 한다.

When interpreting historical facts, one must be careful not to have a biased perspective.

Intellectual integrity context.

소비자들의 기호 변화에 주의를 기울이지 않으면 도태될 것이다.

If you don't pay attention to changes in consumer tastes, you will fall behind.

Business strategy context.

법안의 소급 적용 여부에 주의하여 판결을 내렸다.

The judgment was made with attention to whether the bill was applied retroactively.

Legal/Judicial context.

인간의 인지 편향이 의사 결정에 미치는 영향에 주의를 환기시켰다.

It called attention to the influence of human cognitive bias on decision-making.

Idiom '주의를 환기시키다'.

포스트모더니즘 담론에서는 거대 서사의 붕괴에 주의를 기울인다.

Postmodern discourse pays attention to the collapse of grand narratives.

Philosophical discourse.

기술의 진보가 인간 소외를 야기할 가능성에 대해 각별한 주의가 요구된다.

Special attention is required regarding the possibility that technological progress may cause human alienation.

Sociological critique.

헌법적 가치가 훼손되지 않도록 국가 권력 행사에 주의를 기울여야 한다.

Attention must be paid to the exercise of state power so that constitutional values are not damaged.

Constitutional law context.

생태계의 미묘한 균형 파괴에 주의하지 않으면 돌이킬 수 없는 재앙이 올 것이다.

If we do not pay attention to the destruction of the delicate balance of the ecosystem, an irreversible disaster will come.

Global crisis context.

언어의 자의성과 사회적 약속 사이의 괴리에 주의하며 분석을 진행했다.

The analysis proceeded while paying attention to the gap between the arbitrariness of language and social conventions.

Linguistic theory context.

자본의 논리가 예술의 순수성을 침해하는 현상에 주의를 기울일 필요가 있다.

There is a need to pay attention to the phenomenon where the logic of capital infringes upon the purity of art.

Cultural critique.

양자역학의 비국소성 원리가 거시 세계의 물리 법칙과 충돌하는 지점에 주의하라.

Pay attention to the point where the principle of non-locality in quantum mechanics conflicts with the physical laws of the macro world.

Scientific theory/Advanced physics.

Common Collocations

건강에 주의하다

안전에 주의하다

발음에 주의하다

교통에 주의하다

소음에 주의하다

위생에 주의하다

주변에 주의하다

태도에 주의하다

세부 사항에 주의하다

불조심에 주의하다

Common Phrases

주의사항

— Precautions or matters to attend to. Used as a heading in manuals.

사용 전 주의사항을 꼭 읽어보세요.

주의를 주다

— To give a warning or a heads-up to someone.

선생님이 떠드는 학생에게 주의를 주었다.

주의를 받다

— To receive a warning or be cautioned by an authority.

경찰에게 주차 위반으로 주의를 받았다.

주의를 기울이다

— To pay close attention or devote focus to something.

그는 작업에 세심한 주의를 기울였다.

주의 산만

— Distraction or lack of focus (lit. attention scattered).

아이들은 주의 산만해지기 쉽다.

각별한 주의

— Special or extraordinary attention/caution.

화재 예방에 각별한 주의가 필요합니다.

주의 깊게

— Attentively or carefully (adverbial form).

그녀는 주의 깊게 지도를 살폈다.

주의력

— The power of concentration or attention span.

피곤하면 주의력이 떨어진다.

주의 결핍

— Attention deficit (as in ADHD).

주의 결핍 증상을 보이는 아이들이 늘고 있다.

주의 환기

— Calling or drawing attention to a specific issue.

이 보고서는 환경 문제에 대한 주의 환기를 목적으로 한다.

Often Confused With

주의하다 vs 조심하다

조심하다 is for everyday danger; 주의하다 is for mental focus and formal warnings.

주의하다 vs 집중하다

집중하다 is 'to concentrate' (100% focus); 주의하다 is 'to be alert/careful' (preventive focus).

주의하다 vs 유의하다

유의하다 is even more formal than 주의하다, meaning 'to keep in mind' in official contexts.

Idioms & Expressions

"귀를 기울이다"

— To listen carefully (lit. to lean one's ear). Related to paying attention.

선생님의 말씀에 귀를 기울이세요.

Neutral

"눈을 떼지 못하다"

— Cannot take one's eyes off (paying intense attention).

아이에게서 눈을 떼지 말고 주의하세요.

Neutral

"정신을 차리다"

— To pull oneself together or focus (to pay attention).

정신 차리고 운전에 주의해!

Informal

"한눈을 팔다"

— To take one's eyes off the ball (to be distracted).

운전할 때 한눈팔지 말고 주의하세요.

Neutral

"입을 조심하다"

— To watch one's mouth (related to being careful with words).

말할 때 입을 조심해서 주의해라.

Neutral

"발등에 불이 떨어지다"

— To be in an urgent situation (requiring immediate attention).

발등에 불이 떨어져야 주의를 기울인다.

Colloquial

"가슴을 졸이다"

— To be anxious (paying nervous attention to an outcome).

결과에 주의하며 가슴을 졸였다.

Neutral

"눈독을 들이다"

— To have one's eye on something (paying greedy attention).

그는 내 물건에 눈독을 들이며 주의 깊게 봤다.

Informal

"손을 놓다"

— To stop working or paying attention to a task.

일에서 손을 놓지 말고 끝까지 주의하세요.

Neutral

"뼈가 있는 말"

— Words with a hidden sting (requiring careful attention to meaning).

그의 뼈가 있는 말에 주의해야 한다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

주의하다 vs 주의 (Caution) vs. 주위 (Surroundings)

They sound very similar (Ju-ui vs. Ju-wi).

주의 is 'caution'; 주위 is 'the area around you'. You pay '주의' to your '주위'.

주위 상황에 주의하세요. (Pay attention to your surroundings.)

주의하다 vs 주의 (Caution) vs. 주체 (Subject/Main body)

Both start with 'Ju'.

주의 is about care; 주체 is about the main entity or self-reliance.

주체적으로 행동하되 주의하세요. (Act independently but be careful.)

주의하다 vs 주의 (Caution) vs. 주장 (Argument/Claim)

Both are common abstract nouns starting with 'Ju'.

주의 is caution; 주장 is making a point or claim.

자신의 주장을 말할 때 주의하세요. (Be careful when stating your claim.)

주의하다 vs 주의 (Caution) vs. 조의 (Condolences)

Similar vowel sounds.

주의 is caution; 조의 is expressing sadness for a death.

조의를 표할 때는 예절에 주의하세요. (When expressing condolences, be careful of etiquette.)

주의하다 vs 주의 (Caution) vs. 자유 (Freedom)

Learners sometimes mix up 'Ju' words.

주의 is caution; 자유 is freedom.

자유에는 책임과 주의가 따른다. (Freedom comes with responsibility and caution.)

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]에 주의하세요.

차에 주의하세요.

[Verb]할 때 주의하세요.

운전할 때 주의하세요.

[Noun]에 각별히 주의해야 합니다.

위생에 각별히 주의해야 합니다.

[Noun]에 주의를 기울일 필요가 있다.

변화에 주의를 기울일 필요가 있다.

[Noun]이/가 결여되지 않도록 주의하다.

일관성이 결여되지 않도록 주의하다.

[Noun]에 대한 주의를 환기시키다.

위험에 대한 주의를 환기시키다.

주의해서 [Verb]하세요.

주의해서 보세요.

[Noun]에 주의를 주다.

동생에게 주의를 주었다.

Word Family

Nouns

주의 (Attention/Caution)

주의사항 (Precautions)

주의력 (Attention span)

주의보 (Advisory/Warning)

Verbs

주의하다 (To pay attention/be careful)

주의시키다 (To make someone pay attention/warn)

Adjectives

주의 깊다 (To be attentive/careful)

조심 (Caution)

유의 (Keeping in mind)

집중 (Concentration)

경고 (Warning)

알림 (Notification)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in formal/public contexts; moderate in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using '주의해!' for an immediate danger. → 조심해!
'주의해' is too formal and slow for a sudden danger like a falling object.
Using the wrong particle: '건강을 주의하세요.' → 건강에 주의하세요.
While ~을 is sometimes understood, ~에 is the grammatically correct particle for the target of caution.
Confusing '주의' (caution) with '주위' (surroundings). → 주변에 주의하세요.
Learners often misspell or mispronounce these two, leading to confusion between the act of care and the location.
Using '주의하다' to mean 'to like' or 'be interested in'. → 관심이 있다.
'주의' is only for caution or focus, not for general interest or hobbies.
Overusing '주의를 하다' instead of '주의하다'. → 주의하다.
While '주의를 하다' is possible, the verb '주의하다' is the standard, more natural way to express the action.

Tips

Use ~에 for the target

Always remember to use the particle ~에 with the thing you are being careful about. '날씨에 주의하세요' (Be careful of the weather).

Learn '주의사항'

This is a very common word on product packaging. Knowing it will help you understand safety instructions immediately.

Softening the warning

If you need to warn someone older, use '주의하시기 바랍니다' (I hope you will be careful) to sound extremely polite.

주의 vs 조심

Think of '조심' as 'Watch out!' and '주의' as 'Pay attention to the details.'

Look for the Yellow

In Korea, safety signs with '주의' are almost always yellow. This visual cue helps you identify the word in the wild.

Idiomatic Power

Use '주의를 기울이다' in your TOPIK writing exam to get higher points for vocabulary usage.

The 'ui' sound

Practice 'ui' by starting with an 'oo' sound and quickly sliding into 'ee'. It should be one fluid motion.

Subway Practice

Next time you are in a Korean subway, try to hear the word '주의' in the announcements. It's great real-world practice.

The Hanja Connection

Remember 注 (Pour) + 意 (Mind). You are pouring your mind into what you are doing.

Weather Alerts

If you get a loud emergency alert on your phone in Korea, it will often contain the word '주의' or '주의보'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ju-ui' as 'Jewel'. You must pay careful attention to a precious jewel so you don't lose it or damage it.

Visual Association

Imagine a yellow warning sign with a giant eye in the middle, pouring (注) its focus onto a specific point.

Word Web

Attention Caution Safety Focus Warning Mindfulness Detail Care

Challenge

Write down three things you need to pay attention to today using the phrase '...에 주의해야 해요.'

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean Hanja characters.

Original meaning: 注 (ju) meaning 'to pour' or 'to concentrate' and 意 (ui) meaning 'mind' or 'intention'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja).

Cultural Context

When giving a '주의' (warning) to someone older, always use high honorifics to avoid sounding rude or bossy.

English speakers might find '주의하다' too formal for daily use where they would say 'be careful.' Use '조심하다' with friends.

Subway announcements: '발 빠짐 주의' is iconic in Seoul. Weather reports: '미세먼지 주의보' (Fine dust advisory). News: '안전 불감증' (Lack of safety awareness) is a common topic where '주의' is discussed.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Subway/Public Transport

발 빠짐 주의
출입문 주의
계단 주의
소지품 주의

Classroom/Study

발음에 주의하세요
철자에 주의하세요
문법에 주의하세요
질문에 주의하세요

Health/Doctor

감기에 주의하세요
식단에 주의하세요
부작용에 주의하세요
피로에 주의하세요

Safety/Work

화재 주의
낙석 주의
감전 주의
추락 주의

Online/Digital

스포일러 주의
해킹 주의
사기 주의
개인정보 주의

Conversation Starters

"요즘 건강 관리에 어떻게 주의하고 계세요?"

"한국어 공부할 때 가장 주의하는 점이 뭐예요?"

"겨울철에 특히 주의해야 할 것은 무엇일까요?"

"운전할 때 가장 주의해야 하는 상황은 언제인가요?"

"아이들에게 어떤 안전 주의를 주시나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 특별히 주의를 기울여서 한 일에 대해 써보세요.

과거에 주의하지 않아서 실수했던 경험이 있나요?

사람들 사이의 예절에서 가장 주의해야 할 점은 무엇이라고 생각하세요?

인터넷을 사용할 때 우리가 주의해야 할 3가지를 적어보세요.

미래의 나에게 건강에 대해 어떤 주의를 주고 싶나요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds a bit formal or educational. If you want to tell a friend to be careful because they might trip, '조심해' is much more natural. Use '주의해' if you are giving them serious advice about something like a contract or their health.

주의사항 (Precautions) are things you should look out for to use something correctly or safely. 경고 (Warning) is much stronger and usually implies that danger or a penalty is imminent if you don't stop a certain behavior.

Both are used, but '발음에 주의하다' is the standard and more common form. The particle ~에 indicates the target of your attention.

Yes! In a different context, '주의' (主義) means '-ism' or 'ideology,' like '자본주의' (Capitalism) or '민주주의' (Democracy). You can tell the difference by the context—ideology words usually don't end in '하다'.

You say '스포일러 주의' (Spoiler Ju-ui) or simply '스포 주의'.

It means 'to call attention to' or 'to refresh someone's attention' regarding a specific topic. It's a very formal and sophisticated expression.

On signs, it is the noun form. It's like seeing 'Caution' instead of 'Be cautious' in English.

Not really. It is almost always used for avoiding mistakes, danger, or paying attention to rules. For positive focus, you would use '관심을 갖다' (to have interest).

The prefix '부-' means 'not' or 'lack of'. So '부주의' means 'carelessness' or 'inattention'.

Yes, a coach might tell players to '주의' to the opponent's movements or a specific rule to avoid fouls.