🇨🇳 Chinese phrases

How to Say "Be careful" in Chinese

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
小心
"Be careful" in Chinese · say it like shyow-sheen

The most natural way to say "Be careful" in Chinese is 小心. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

注意
more formal, often used in written language
当心
casual, often used in spoken language

When to use it

You can use this phrase when you want to warn someone about potential danger. It is common in both spoken and written contexts. Use it when giving advice or instructions that require caution.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Be careful" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Chinese

ChineseEnglish
走路的时候要小心。Be careful when walking.
小心火烫。Be careful, it's hot.
Common mistake
Some learners confuse 小心 with 注意, but they have slightly different usages.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear 小心, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Chinese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 小心 and 注意?

小心 is more about being cautious, while 注意 is about paying attention.

Learn Chinese by speaking it

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