1.
annotation, explanatory note
A note added to explain or comment on something in a text. Often seen in academic writing, textbooks, and translations.
この本には詳しい注がついている。
This book has detailed annotations.
難しい言葉には注をつけてください。
Please add notes to difficult words.
注をつける = to add annotations
脚注を参照してください。
Please refer to the footnotes.
2.
attention, caution
When used in compounds, can mean attention or care, as in 注意 (attention/caution).
注意して歩いてください。
Please walk carefully.
注意 = attention, caution
この商品が注目を集めている。
This product is attracting attention.
注目 = attention, notice
先生の話に注意を払うことが大切だ。
It's important to pay attention to what the teacher says.
注意を払う = to pay attention
USAGE: 注 as a standalone word is somewhat formal and typically appears in written/academic contexts. More commonly appears in compounds.
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 注意 (attention, caution)
- 注目 (attention, notice)
- 注文 (order, request)
- 脚注 (footnote)
- 注釈 (annotation, commentary)
- 注記 (note, annotation)
PATTERNS:
- 注をつける (to add notes)
- 注を入れる (to insert annotations)
- 注を参照する (to refer to notes)