Dictionary — Entry No. 0691
조심해
josimhae · expression
조심해
josimhae
[JOH-shim-heh]
expressionbeginner
Meaning
조심해 means ‘Be careful!’ or ‘Watch out!’ — the casual imperative form of 조심하다 (to be careful). Beyond physical warnings, Koreans also use it as a tender farewell phrase meaning ‘take care of yourself,’ making it one of the most emotionally layered expressions in the language.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
In K-Dramas, 조심해 carries enormous emotional weight when said between characters who can’t openly express their feelings. In ‘Crash Landing on You’ (사랑의 불시착), Ri Jeong-hyeok’s repeated 조심해 to Yoon Se-ri became one of the drama’s most iconic expressions of restrained love. Fans often cite this scene as proof that 조심해 is more than a warning — it’s a love language.
Example Sentences
길 건널 때 조심해!
Gil geonnol ttae josimhae!
Be careful when crossing the street! (a common parental or caring warning)
조심해, 바닥이 미끄러워.
Josimhae, badagi mikkeureowo.
Watch out, the floor is slippery. (practical warning in everyday situations)
몸 조심해!
Mom josimhae!
Take care of yourself! (literally ‘be careful with your body’ — said affectionately when parting ways)
⚠️ Don’t use josimhae when…
조심해 is casual — use 조심하세요 (josimhaseyo) with elders or strangers. Also, 몸 조심해 may sound strange if you translate it literally as ‘be careful with your body,’ but it is a completely normal and warm farewell phrase — don’t hesitate to use it.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Crash Landing on You (사랑의 불시착) — Ri Jeong-hyeok says 조심해 to Se-ri repeatedly throughout the series, his stoic tone barely concealing the depth of emotion behind each warning.
- K-Pop: BLACKPINK — Stay
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.