Watch out for Meaning in English
expression
ˈwɑtʃ/, /ˈwɔtʃ/ /ˈaʊt/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ
WAHCH-owt-fer
wˈɒtʃ/ /ˈaʊt/ /fˈɔː
WOTCH-owt-for
Definition
To be careful about possible dangers or to pay close attention to something or someone that could cause problems.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and common in everyday English. Often used before warnings or advice, e.g., 'Watch out for cars!' It means to be alert to something negative but can also mean to pay attention in general. Not the same as just 'watch,' which means to look or observe.
Spanish: prestar atención a - estar atento a - tener cuidado conPortuguese (BR): ficar atento a - tomar cuidado com - prestar atenção emPortuguese (PT): ter cuidado com - estar atento a - prestar atenção aChinese (Simplified): 注意 - 留心Chinese (Traditional): 注意 - 留意Hindi: सावधान रहना (से) - ध्यान रखनाArabic: انتبه إلى - احذر منBengali: সতর্ক থাকুন - নজর রাখুন (বিপদের জন্য)Russian: остерегаться - быть осторожным сJapanese: 気をつける - 注意するVietnamese: đề phòng - cảnh giác vớiKorean: 조심하다 - 경계하다Turkish: dikkat etmek - gözünü dört açmakUrdu: خبردار رہناIndonesian: waspada terhadap - hati-hati dengan
Example Sentences
Watch out for the wet floor.
basic
Watch out for cars when you cross the street.
basic
Watch out for the dog in the yard.
basic
If you go hiking, watch out for snakes on the trail.
natural
You should watch out for scams when shopping online.
natural
Watch out for that guy—he’s known to lie.
natural