1.
thought, feeling, sense
A deep feeling or sense of something, often used in compounds to express the strength or nature of an emotion or mental state.
感謝の念を抱く。
To feel a sense of gratitude.
畏敬の念を込めて手を合わせた。
I put my hands together with a feeling of reverence.
被害者への哀悼の念を表した。
He expressed condolences for the victims.
2.
caution, care, precaution
Careful attention paid to avoid mistakes or problems. Used in expressions about being thorough or cautious.
念のため確認しておく。
I'll check just to be safe.
念のため is a very common expression meaning 'just in case' or 'as a precaution.'
念を入れて準備した。
I prepared carefully and thoroughly.
念には念を入れて、もう一度確認してください。
To be doubly sure, please check one more time.
Idiomatic expression meaning to be extra cautious.
念 has two main uses: as a formal word for deep feeling or mental state (sense 1), and as a word meaning caution or thoroughness (sense 2).
SENSE 1 — FEELING (formal):
- 〜の念を抱く: to feel a sense of ~
- 〜の念に駆られる: to be driven by a feeling of ~
- 感謝の念: feeling of gratitude
- 畏敬の念: feeling of awe/reverence
- 哀悼の念: feeling of condolence
SENSE 2 — CAUTION:
- 念のため: just in case, as a precaution
- 念を入れる: to be thorough, to take care
- 念には念を入れる: to be doubly careful
- 念を押す: to make sure, to emphasize
NOTE ON HOMOPHONE:
- 年 (year) is a completely different word with the same reading.
Related Words
Homophone:
年 (year)