Be careful Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈbi/, /bi/ /ˈkɛɹfəɫ

bee KAIR-fuhl

UK

bˈiː/ /kˈeəfəl

bee KAIR-fuhl

Definition

Used to tell someone to pay attention and avoid danger, mistakes, or harm. It is often said as a warning or friendly advice.

Usage & Nuances

Very common in both spoken and written English. Used for warnings, friendly concern, or reminders. Can be direct (“Be careful on the stairs!”) or softer as part of “be careful with/to/of.” Often replaces longer phrases like 'watch out.'

• Spanish: ten cuidado - ten cuidado con - ten cuidado de
• Portuguese (BR): tenha cuidado - cuidado
• Portuguese (PT): tem cuidado - cuidado
• Chinese (Simplified): 小心 - 注意
• Chinese (Traditional): 小心 - 注意
• Hindi: सावधान रहो - ध्यान रखना
• Arabic: انتبه - كن حذرًا
• Bengali: সাবধান থাকুন - সতর্ক থাকুন
• Russian: будь осторожен - будь внимателен
• Japanese: 気をつけて
• Vietnamese: cẩn thận - chú ý
• Korean: 조심해 - 주의해
• Turkish: dikkat et - dikkatli ol
• Urdu: احتیاط کرو - خبردار رہو
• Indonesian: hati-hati - waspada

Example Sentences

Be careful when you cross the street.

basic

Please be careful with that glass.

basic

You need to be careful when using a knife.

basic

Hey, be careful—that floor is really slippery.

natural

Mom always says, "Be careful and call me if you need help."

natural

If you drop that, it’ll break, so be careful.

natural