Adjective
/ˈkɛərfəl/
Derived from Middle English "careful," a combination of "care" (meaning concern or caution) and the suffix "-ful," which means "full of" or "characterized by." The word has been used since the 14th century to describe a person who is mindful of their actions or surroundings.
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Cuidadoso | /kwidaˈðoso/ |
| French | Prudent | /pʁydɑ̃/ |
| German | Vorsichtig | /ˈfɔʁzɪçtɪç/ |
| Italian | Attento | /atˈtɛnto/ |
| Portuguese | Cauteloso | /kawteˈlozu/ |
| Russian | Осторожный | /ɐstɐˈroʐnɨj/ |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 小心 | /xiǎo xīn/ |
| Japanese | 注意深い | /chūi bukai/ |
| Korean | 조심스러운 | /josimseureoun/ |
| Arabic | حذر | /ḥadhar/ |
| Hindi | सावधान | /sāvadhān/ |
| Bengali | সাবধান | /sābdhān/ |
| Telugu | జాగ్రత్తగా | /jāgrattagā/ |
| Tamil | கவனமாக | /kavaṉamāka/ |
| Marathi | सावधन | /sāvaḍhan/ |
First used in the 14th century, "careful" was initially used to describe someone who was filled with "care" or concern, and over time, the term evolved to describe someone who takes caution or pays attention to detail. The modern usage reflects caution, attentiveness, and conscientiousness, especially when making decisions or actions.
The concept of being careful varies across cultures. In some cultures, being careful is seen as a virtue, especially in professional or social situations, where attention to detail and forethought are highly valued. In others, being overly careful may be seen as a sign of anxiety or lack of confidence. The balance between caution and boldness is often influenced by cultural values and expectations.
The adjective "careful" highlights the importance of mindfulness in everyday life. It often refers to the actions or attitude of someone who is cautious to prevent harm or mistakes. Being careful is generally seen as a positive trait, especially in tasks that require precision or in dangerous environments. It also reflects a general sense of consideration for oneself and others, as it often involves being aware of potential risks and acting with foresight.