警告（けいこく、keikoku）
- warning

The Japanese word 警告警告 (読み方: けいこく) means "warning," "caution," "admonition," or "alert." It signifies a notice or statement given to someone about a possible danger, problem, or negative consequence if a certain action is taken or not taken. It can be a formal or informal communication, aiming to inform, advise, or urge someone to take heed of something. The goal of a 警告警告 is usually to prevent harm or undesirable outcomes. The word can refer to a general warning about a situation or a more specific 警告警告 about a particular action.

⚫︎地震の警告 Translation: Earthquake warning ⚫︎その行為は危険であるという警告を受けました。 Translation: I received a warning that the action was dangerous. ⚫︎運転中に携帯電話を使用すると、警告が表示されます。 Translation: A warning appears when using a mobile phone while driving.

This word is used in various contexts, from everyday conversations to formal announcements. You can use it when: ⚫︎ You want to inform someone of a potential danger or problem. ⚫︎ You want to advise someone to be careful about something. ⚫︎ You are delivering a formal warning, perhaps in a professional or official setting. ⚫︎ You want to alert someone to the consequences of their actions. The verb form, 警告警告する (to warn), is often used. The noun 警告警告 itself can be used directly or used with verbs like "出す" (to issue), "受ける" (to receive), or "与える" (to give). The usage depends on the context and the message you want to convey.

⚫︎ The word is typically written in kanji as 警告警告. ⚫︎ The reading (furigana) is けいこく. ⚫︎ It is not typically written in katakana. ⚫︎ The okurigana is standard. The verb form 警告警告する has no variation in okurigana.

⚫︎ 注意 (ちゅうい) - Caution, attention (less strong than 警告警告) ⚫︎ 忠告 (ちゅうこく) - Advice, counsel, warning (similar in meaning, perhaps with a more advisory tone) ⚫︎ 警報 (けいほう) - Alert, alarm (usually for urgent or dangerous situations) ⚫︎ 注意喚起 (ちゅういかんき) - Raising awareness, bringing attention (more emphasis on calling people's attention to something)

⚫︎ While there isn't a direct antonym, words that imply the absence of a warning could be considered opposites in concept. ⚫︎ 安心 (あんしん) - Peace of mind, relief. (Implies the absence of danger.)

この道は落石の危険性があるため、警告が出ています。 ・Translation: A warning is posted because there is a risk of falling rocks on this road. ・Explanation: This sentence explains the reason behind the posting of a warning sign. It informs of a potential hazard.

彼は警告を無視し、その結果、罰金を受けました。 ・Translation: He ignored the warning and, as a result, received a fine. ・Explanation: This sentence describes the consequences of disregarding a warning.

The word 警告警告 is a compound word. ⚫︎ 警 (けい): Meaning "alert," "vigilance," "warning," or "police." ⚫︎ 告 (こく): Meaning "to tell," "to inform," or "to announce." Therefore, 警告警告 literally means "to alert and inform," which accurately reflects its meaning as a warning or cautionary notice.