注意：Watch out!!!

If you come to Japan, you will probably see this picture (or these words) in many places that you go:

Stop, in the name of love...

I took this picture inside an elevator (エレベーター), but you can find it on tons of other signs in tons of different places. I've found this on signs telling you to pick up your dog poop or on power generators on the side of buildings. So what is this word!?

注意

( ちゅうい / chuui )

This is Japan's version of "caution", "warning", "attention", or simply, "watch out!!" This word is made up of the kanji "to pour" (注) and "opinion" or "thought" or "feeling" (意). Basically you can think of this as meaning: "Pour your thoughts into this."

When you really think about it, if you really pay attention to something, you are pouring your attention or thoughts into it. And, if you're not, you're probably not cautious enough.

Well, again if you see this sign it could mean something really important...but at the same time, it usually just means to "use your brain a little"; don't put your hand here (or you'll lose a finger), pick up your poo (or someone's gonna be mad when they step in it), and don't touch this (or you're gonna die of electrical shock).

So everyone please 注意!

みんな、がんばって！