To Realize
To Notice
godan verb
When you attach your energy (imagine someone suddenly looking up at something, attaching their energy to it), you have noticed or realized something. That's why this word means to realize or to notice.
Don't confuse this with 気を付けて which is similar in that it has all the same kanji. It's just used a little different. Try to remember the difference before moving on.
The readings come from the 気 kanji (which you know) and the word 付く which you should know by now. Combine these together and you have the ability to read this word. Take note that the 付く part is rendaku'd, though, so it is a tiny bit different.
私に気付く
to notice me
気持ちに気付く
to become aware of feelings
そのことに気付く
to notice that matter
気付かないふりはしないでください。
Don't pretend like you didn't notice.
コウイチ子へのおもいに気付いたのはかの女と出会って三日目のことだったと思います。
I think I realized my feelings for Koichiko three days after we met.
あんたが私にアイスクリームをくれるなんて、本当に信じられないよ。あんたがそんなに優しいなんて今まで気付かなかったわ！
I can’t believe you gave me your ice cream. I didn’t realize that you were so kind until now.