Translation and Meaning of: 大切 - taisetsu

The Japanese word 大切[たいせつ] is a term loaded with meaning, often used in everyday life and culture in Japan. If you are looking to understand its use, translation, or origin, this article will explore all of that clearly and directly. Here, you will discover how Japanese people use this expression in different contexts, from informal conversations to deeper and more emotional situations.

In addition to explaining the meaning of 大切, we will cover its writing in kanji, its pronunciation, and how to memorize it effectively. If you are a Japanese language student or just an enthusiast of the language, understanding this word will enrich your vocabulary and your understanding of Japanese culture. Shall we begin?

The meaning and translation of 大切

The word 大切[たいせつ] can be translated as "important," "precious," or "valuable." It is used to describe something or someone that deserves special care, attention, or consideration. Unlike other similar words, たいせつ carries a more affectionate tone, often related to deep feelings.

For example, the Japanese use 大切 to talk about relationships, cherished objects, or memories that hold emotional significance. It is not just about something useful or necessary, but about what is truly special in the heart of the speaker. This nuance is essential for using the word correctly.

The origin and the kanjis of 大切

The term 大切 is composed of two kanji: 大 (big) and 切 (cut, important). Together, they convey the idea of something that is "greatly important" or that "cuts deeply" in an emotional sense. This combination well reflects the weight that the word carries in the Japanese language.

It is worth noting that 切 also appears in other words related to feelings, such as 親切[しんせつ] (kindness) and 切ない[せつない] (heartbreaking). This connection helps to understand why 大切 has such a strong emotional weight, going beyond the superficial meaning of "important."

How to use 大切 in your daily life

In daily life, Japanese people use 大切 in sentences like "家族は大切です" (Family is important) or "この指輪は私にとって大切なものです" (This ring is something precious to me). Notice that the word appears in both objective and subjective contexts, always with a tone of affection or appreciation.

One tip for memorizing 大切 is to associate it with things you truly consider special. Think of people, objects, or moments that hold a deep meaning for you. This emotional connection makes it easier to retain the term and helps you use it more naturally in conversations.

The cultural importance of 大切

In Japan, the concept behind 大切 is linked to values such as respect, gratitude, and care. The word is not just an adjective, but reflects a mindset that values what truly matters in life. This explains why it appears so often in speeches, songs, and even in animes.

In works like "The Traveler of the Stars" or popular songs, 大切 is often used to convey messages about love, friendship, and perseverance. Its use in the media reinforces its role as a central term in expressing deep feelings within Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 重要 (Jūyō) - important, essential
• 大事 (Daiji) - Important, significant (with a more emotional tone)
• 大切な (Taisetsu na) - Valuable, precious (with emphasis on care or affection)
• 大切にする (Taisetsu ni suru) - To take care of, to value something or someone
• 大切さ (Taisetsu sa) - Value, importance (noun that expresses the quality of being valuable)

大切

Romaji: taisetsu
Kana: たいせつ
Type: Adjective, noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: important

Meaning in English: important

Definition: Important: To be important. Something worthwhile.

Example Sentences - (大切) taisetsu

See below some example sentences:

付き合いは大切なことです。

Tsukiai wa taisetsu na koto desu

Relationships are important things.

Dating is important.

• 付き合い - relationship, coexistence
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• な - Particle indicating adjective
• こと - thing, subject
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

休学することは大切な決断です。

Kyugaku suru koto wa taisetsu na ketsudan desu

Leaving school is an important decision.

• 休学すること - means "pause studying" in Japanese.
• は - topic marking particle in Japanese.
• 大切な - adjective meaning "important" or "precious" in Japanese.
• 決断 - noun meaning "decision" or "resolution" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in polite form in Japanese.

余所見を持つことは大切です。

Yosoken wo motsu koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to have an outside perspective.

It is important to look extraordinary.

• 余所見 - External view
• 持つ - TO HAVE
• こと - Thing
• 大切 - Important
• です - is

保険に入ることは大切です。

Hoken ni hairu koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to sign up for insurance.

It is important to get insurance.

• 保険 - Safe
• に - particle that indicates destination or direction
• 入る - enter, adhere
• こと - abstract noun, in this case, "the act of"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

保護は大切なことです。

Hogo wa taisetsu na koto desu

Protection is an important thing.

Protection is important.

• 保護 - Protection
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• な - Particle indicating adjective
• こと - thing, subject
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

個人情報を守ることは大切です。

Kojin joho wo mamoru koto wa taisetsu desu

Protecting personal information is important.

It is important to protect personal information.

• 個人情報 - Personal information
• を - object particle
• 守る - protect
• こと - abstract noun, in this case, "action of protecting"
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

個性を大切にしましょう。

Kosei wo taisetsu ni shimashou

Let's value the personality.

• 個性 - means "individuality" or "personality".
• を - direct object particle.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• に - particle indicating destination or goal.
• しましょう - polite form of the verb "to do" in the imperative, indicating a suggestion or request to do something.

働きが大切です。

Hataraki ga taisetsu desu

Working is important.

Work is important.

• 働き (hataraki) - work, employment
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

儲けることは大切です。

Moukeru koto wa taisetsu desu

Making money is important.

It is important to make money.

• 儲ける - Verb that means "earn money" or "profit".
• こと - Noun indicating "thing" or "fact". In this case, it is used to indicate that "earning money" is important.
• は - Particle that indicates the theme of the sentence. In this case, it indicates that the theme is "making money".
• 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or respectful way of expressing an idea. In this case, it is used to indicate that "earning money is important."

公衆の場でマスクを着用することが大切です。

Koushuu no ba de masuku wo chakuyou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to wear a mask in public places.

It is important to wear a mask in public.

• 公衆の場 - public place
• で - particle that indicates the location where the action takes place
• マスク - Mask
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 着用する - use, wear
• こと - noun that indicates action or fact
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - important
• です - verb to be in the polite form