Korean Street Sign 2 “출차주의“

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 Understanding the "출차주의 (出車注意)" Sign: Meaning and Usage

You might have seen this sign often on the roads in Korea: "출차주의 (出車注意)." Today, I would like to explain its meaning, where it's used, and some interesting facts about its composition.

What Does "출차주의 (出車注意)" Mean?

The term "출차주의 (出車注意)" translates to "Caution: Exiting Vehicles" in English. Breaking it down:

  • 출차 (chulcha, 出車) means "exiting vehicles" (출 means "exit" and 차 means "vehicle").
  • 주의 (juui, 注意) means "caution" or "attention."

So, the sign is essentially warning pedestrians and other drivers to be careful because vehicles may be exiting onto the road.

Where Is It Used?

You will commonly find the "출차주의 (出車注意)" sign in several key locations:

  • Parking Lot Exits: Especially at large malls or building parking garages. These areas have a high volume of cars exiting, so the sign reminds pedestrians and other drivers to be cautious.
  • Construction Site Entrances: At construction sites where trucks and heavy machinery are frequently entering and exiting.
  • Narrow Alleyways: In narrow streets where it is difficult to see exiting vehicles, helping pedestrians and other drivers stay alert.

The Sign's Composition in Hanja

Interestingly, "출차주의 (出車注意)" is composed of Hanja (Chinese characters used in Korean):

  • 出 (chul): Means "to exit" or "to go out."
  • 車 (cha): Means "vehicle" or "car."
  • 注 (ju): Means "to pour" but in this context, it means "to pay attention."
  • 意 (ui): Means "meaning" or "thought."

So, "出車注意" directly translates to "Caution: Exiting Vehicles" in English, clearly conveying the message to be aware of vehicles coming out.

Conclusion

The "출차주의 (出車注意)" sign plays an important role in ensuring road safety in Korea. By paying attention to this sign, both pedestrians and drivers can navigate the roads more safely. For those of you learning Korean, next time you see this sign, take a moment to appreciate its meaning. Even small signs like this carry important information and highlight the careful consideration given to safety.

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