小心
xiǎo xīn
Watch out
小心 (Xiǎoxīn) is a versatile warning word meaning "watch out," "be careful," or "take care." Speakers use it to alert someone to potential danger, such as a wet floor or oncoming traffic.
What does 小心 (xiǎo xīn) mean?
小心 (xiǎo xīn) means “watch out” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “small heart.”
When to use it
Neutral and direct. It's commonly used as a general warning in everyday situations. For a slightly softer or more polite warning, you can add 点儿 (diǎnr) to make it 小心点儿.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “shyao-SHEEN.” The first syllable has a dipping tone, and the second is a high-level tone.
Other ways to say it
- 注意zhù yìpay attention, be careful
- 当心dāng xīnbe careful, look out
- 小心点儿xiǎo xīn diǎnrbe a little more careful
Examples
小心地滑！
xiǎo xīn dì huá!
Watch out, wet floor!
过马路时要小心车辆。
guò mǎlù shí yào xiǎo xīn chēliàng.
Be careful of vehicles when crossing the road.
请小心保管您的贵重物品。
qǐng xiǎo xīn bǎoguǎn nín de guìzhòng wùpǐn.
Please take good care of your valuables.
Pro tip: 小心 can be used alone as an exclamation, "Watch out!", or as part of a sentence to advise caution in a specific situation.
Related phrases
别生气 · Don't be angry冷静一点 · Calm down注意安全 · Stay safe
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