Meaning and Usage
"用心" (ようじん) means care, caution, or precaution. It is often used when advising someone to be careful or to take preventive measures to avoid danger or mistakes.
Common Contexts
You will hear "用心" in everyday situations such as warnings about safety (e.g., walking at night), securing belongings, or general advice to be cautious.
Collocations and Patterns
- 用心する: to be careful or cautious
- 用心に越したことはない: an expression meaning "it's better to be safe than sorry"
- 用心深い: an adjective meaning "careful" or "cautious"
Register and Nuance
"用心" is neutral and polite enough for everyday conversation and written language. It implies a proactive attitude toward safety or caution.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "用心" with "注意" (ちゅうい), which also means caution. "用心" often implies a stronger sense of precaution or guarding against risk, while "注意" can be more about paying attention or warning.