How to say "Be careful" in Korean
The natural way Koreans say "Be careful" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.
조심해
josimhae
Literally: Be careful.
When to use it
A warning, and also a goodbye - Koreans say it to someone heading out into rain, traffic or a long drive.
Polite form
- 조심하세요josimhaseyoUse this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.
Other ways to say it
- 조심히 가josimhi ga= Get home safeWhat you say as someone leaves. Extremely common and warm.
- 위험해wiheomhae= It is dangerousSharper, for something actually unsafe right now.
In a sentence
- 계단 조심해.gyedan josimhae.Careful on the stairs.
- 눈 오니까 조심히 가세요.nun onikka josimhi gaseyo.It is snowing, so get home safe.
Practise this one. These phrases are in the phrase quiz — five rounds, no sign-up. Not reading Hangul yet? Start with the alphabet in 20 minutes.
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