vorsichtig

Vorsichtig is a German adjective and adverb meaning careful, cautious, or prudent. It describes people, actions, or decisions characterized by care to avoid danger or harm. As an adjective it can modify a noun, as in eine vorsichtige Maßnahme or ein vorsichtiger Mensch, and as a predicate: Er ist vorsichtig. As an adverb it can modify a verb: Er geht vorsichtig durchs Zimmer. The interjection Vorsichtig! is used to warn someone to be careful.

Etymology: The word derives from vor- meaning before and Sicht meaning sight, reflecting the sense of foresight and caution. It is closely related to the noun Vorsicht, meaning caution, and to other words in the same family denoting prudence.

Usage notes: Common collocations include vorsichtige Maßnahmen (cautious measures), vorsichtiger Umgang (careful handling). The fixed phrase Vorsichtshalber means “as a precaution.” The opposite is unvorsichtig or sorglos.

Nuances and synonyms: Related terms include behutsam (gentle, careful) and sorgfältig (careful in the sense of thorough). Vorsichtig emphasizes risk avoidance; sorgfältig emphasizes thoroughness; behutsam emphasizes tenderness or delicacy.

Proverbs and safety culture: In German, Vorsicht is widely used in safety warnings and everyday advice. A well-known proverb is Vorsicht ist die Mutter der Porzellankiste.