小心

xiǎoxīn
adjective HSK 2 #477

Meanings

  1. 1 to be careful
  2. 2 watch out
  3. 3 cautious

Characters

Literally 'small heart' — being cautious and attentive.

Examples

Xiǎoxīn!
Be careful! / Watch out!
Guò mǎlù yào xiǎoxīn.
Be careful when crossing the road.
Tā zuò shì hěn xiǎoxīn.
She does things very carefully.

Tips

usage
小心 alone as an exclamation is a warning: 'Watch out!' It's one of the first safety phrases you should learn.
culture
You'll see 小心 (xiǎoxīn dì huá, caution: slippery floor) signs everywhere in China.

Stroke Order

xiǎo
xīn