French · Greetings & Essentials
"Be careful!" in French: fais attention !
fais attention !
Be careful in French is fais attention ! — tu imperative. Use it for traffic, stairs, or hot pans. Faites attention ! is the vous form.
Icy sidewalk
Fais attention ! Le trottoir glisse.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce fais attention !
Say it
fay ah-tahn-SYOHN
/fɛ a.tɑ̃.sjɔ̃/
Fais: fay. Attention: ah-tahn-SYOHN. Sharp warning rhythm: fay ah-tahn-SYOHN.
"Be careful!" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| fais attention ! | be careful! Default tu. | Default tu. |
| fais attention à la marche | watch the step Naming the hazard. | Naming the hazard. |
| fais attention, c'est chaud | be careful, it's hot Kitchen. | Kitchen. |
| faites attention ! | be careful! (vous) Formal/plural. | Formal/plural. |
How to use fais attention ! in real life
- 1Icy sidewalk
Fais attention ! Le trottoir glisse.
Be careful! The sidewalk is slippery.
Full phrase.
- 2Crossing a street
Fais attention aux scooters.
Be careful of the scooters.
Hazard named.
- 3Carrying glass
Fais attention, c'est fragile.
Be careful, it's fragile.
Object care.
Mistakes English speakers make with fais attention !
Incorrect: Fait attention !
Correct: Fais attention !
Tu imperative of faire is fais.
Incorrect: Fais careful !
Correct: Fais attention !
Use attention, not English careful.
Good to know
Fais attention ! is the everyday parent and friend warning. Softer: fais gaffe (very casual). On building sites and museums you'll hear faites attention with vous.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Helping with a move
ChatPal
Fais attention ! Les cartons sont lourds.
Be careful! The boxes are heavy.
You
OK. Fais attention aussi à la porte.
OK. You be careful of the door too.
ChatPal
Oui — fais attention en descendant.
Yes—be careful going down.
You
Je vais doucement.
I'll go slowly.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Be careful!" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Be careful!" in French
How do you say be careful in French?
Fais attention !
Vous form?
Faites attention !
Casual cousin?
Fais gaffe.
How do you pronounce attention?
ah-tahn-SYOHN.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
Keep reading
- Ordering Food in French: Essential Phrases for 2026Ordering food in french - Learn how to confidently order food in French with real-life phrases and tips for 2026 travelers
- 10 Best French Speaking Practice Apps for 2026Find the best French speaking practice app to build fluency. We review 10 top tools like ChatPal for conversation, travel prep, and building confidence in 2026.
