Meaning and Usage
The word "警戒" (けいかい) primarily means "warning," "vigilance," or "caution." It is often used to describe a state of alertness or careful watchfulness to avoid danger or trouble.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter "警戒" in contexts related to safety, security, and risk management, such as natural disasters, crime prevention, or personal safety.
Typical Collocations
- 警戒レベル (けいかいレベル): alert level; used in official warnings or announcements.
- 警戒心 (けいかいしん): sense of caution or wariness; often used to describe a person's attitude.
- 警戒する (けいかいする): to be cautious or vigilant; a common verb form.
Register and Nuance
"警戒" is a formal word often used in news reports, official statements, and serious conversations. It conveys a strong sense of alertness and is less casual than words like "気をつける" (to be careful).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "警戒" with "注意" (ちゅうい), which also means "caution" but is more general and can be used for everyday warnings. "警戒" implies a higher level of alertness, often due to a perceived threat or danger.