Korean Dictionary
How to say "Be careful" in Korean
“Be careful” in Korean is 조심하세요 (pronounced "Josimhaseyo").
조심하세요
Josimhaseyo
Usage & Context
Advising caution or care. Used before someone does something potentially risky or before they head out. 길 조심하세요 (be careful on the road) is very common. Shows genuine concern for someone's safety and wellbeing.
Example Sentence
비가 오니까 운전 조심하세요!
It's raining, so be careful driving!
How to use 조심하세요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Be careful” is 조심하세요, romanized as Josimhaseyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 조심하세요.
What learners usually mean by “Be careful in Korean”
This query is usually practical: warning someone before they leave, drive, walk, or do something risky.
Real usage
조심하세요 is the safe polite form. 조심해 is casual. For going home safely, 조심히 가세요 is more natural than a literal 'be careful.'
Avoid this mistake
Do not use 조심해 with strangers or elders unless you are already speaking casually.
Better pattern
Use 조심하세요 for polite warnings, 조심해 with friends, and 조심히 가세요 when someone is leaving.
polite warning
길이 미끄러우니까 조심하세요.
The road is slippery, so be careful.
casual goodbye
밤이 늦었으니까 조심히 가.
It's late, so get home safely.
Pronunciation Guide
조심 (jo-sim): 'Jo' like 'joh' in 'joke'. 'Sim' like 'shim' in 'shimmy'. 하세요 (ha-se-yo): 'Ha' like 'hah' in 'haha'. 'Se' like 'seh' in 'set'. 'Yo' like 'yoh'. The stress is generally even.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
조심하십시오
Josimhasipsio
A highly formal imperative, rarely used in daily conversation unless addressing a superior in a very formal or official context.
Casual (반말)
조심해
Josimhae
Used with close friends, family, or people younger than you. It's a direct warning or expression of care.
More Example Sentences
Warning someone about a physical hazard in their immediate environment.
계단이 미끄러우니 조심하세요.
The stairs are slippery, so be careful.
Expressing concern for someone's safety when they are leaving late at night.
늦었으니까 밤길 조심하세요!
It's late, so be careful on your way home at night!
A common seasonal greeting, showing care for someone's health, especially during flu season.
감기 조심하세요!
Be careful not to catch a cold!
Cultural Context
'조심하세요' is a very common and heartfelt expression of care and concern in Korean culture. It reflects a genuine warmth and consideration for others' well-being, whether it's about health, safety, or even potential mistakes. You'll hear it frequently from parents to children, friends to friends, and even strangers in public (e.g., '발 조심하세요!' - Watch your step!). It's a reflection of the collective culture where looking out for each other is important.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 조심하세요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
길 조심하세요.
Be careful on the road/way.
몸 조심하세요.
Take care of yourself (literally, 'be careful with your body').
말 조심하세요.
Be careful what you say.
Related Expressions
조심하다
Josimhada
To be careful (verb infinitive)
주의하다
Juuihada
To pay attention, be cautious
경고하다
Gyeonggohada
To warn
안전하다
Anjeonhada
To be safe (related concept)
More Greetings Words
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