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)
Related words
tsutaeru
to transmit; report; to communicate; tell; to transmit; to transmit; propagate; to teach; bequeath
tamotsu
maintain; preserve; sustain; retain; keep; support; uphold; last; endure; keep well (food); wear out
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.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
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How to Write in Japanese - (大切) taisetsu
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (大切) taisetsu:
Example Sentences - (大切) taisetsu
See below some example sentences:
Katei wa taisetsu na mono desu
The family is very important.
The home is important.
- 家庭 - Means "family" in Japanese.
- は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
- 大切 - means "important" or "precious" in Japanese.
- な - it is a grammatical particle that indicates the adjectivization of the previous term.
- もの - means "thing" or "object" in Japanese.
- です - it is a polite way to state something in Japanese, equivalent to our "is" or "are".
Keiyaku wo mamoru koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to comply with the contract.
It is important to keep the contract.
- 契約 - Contract
- を - object particle
- 守る - fulfill/keep
- こと - noun maker
- が - subject particle
- 大切 - important
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Kokusai kōryū wa taisetsu desu
International exchange is important.
International exchange is important.
- 国際交流 - International exchange
- は - Topic particle
- 大切 - important, valuable
- です - polite way of being
Chikasui wa taisetsu na shigen desu
Groundwater is an important resource.
Groundwater is an important resource.
- 地下水 - Groundwater
- は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 大切な - important
- 資源 - resource
- です - Verb "to be" in the present tense
Chikyuu wa watashitachi no taisetsu na ie desu
The earth is our precious house.
The earth is our important home.
- 地球 - Planet Earth
- は - Topic particle
- 私たち - We
- の - Possessive particle
- 大切な - Important
- 家 - House
- です - Verb to be/estar
Shuuhen no kankyou wo taisetsu ni shimashou
Let's take care of the environment around us.
Let's value the surrounding environment.
- 周辺 - It means "surroundings" or "neighborhood".
- の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
- 環境 - It means "environment" or "environment."
- を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
- 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
- に - TP31A preposition that indicates action or movement towards something.
- しましょう - polite and polite way of the verb "fazer".
Tomodachi wa taisetsu desu
Friends are important.
Friends are important.
- 友達 (tomodachi) - friend
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
- です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
Shuushuu suru koto wa taisetsu desu
Collecting is important.
It is important to collect.
- 収集すること - collection
- は - Topic particle
- 大切 - important
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Doubutsu wa watashitachi to tomo ni ikiru taisetsuna sonzai desu
The animals are important beings that live with us.
Animals are important beings who live with us.
- 動物 (doubutsu) - Animal
- は (wa) - marcador de tópico
- 私たち (watashitachi) - we/us
- と (to) - with
- 共に (tomonini) - juntos
- 生きる (ikiru) - "Viver"
- 大切な (taisetsuna) - importante
- 存在 (sonzai) - existência
- です (desu) - copula (to be)
Kyōkasegi wa fuufu no chikara wo awaseru koto ga taisetsu desu
Dual income is important for couples to combine their strengths.
It is important to combine the power of the couple to make money.
- 共稼ぎ (kyoukasegi) - It means "work together" or "teamwork".
- 夫婦 (fuufu) - means "couple" or "husband and wife".
- 力 (chikara) - means "strength" or "power".
- 合わせる (awaseru) - means "to join" or "to unite".
- こと (koto) - It is a particle that indicates that the previous word is a noun and is being used as a direct or indirect object.
- 大切 (taisetsu) - It means "important" or "valuable".
- です (desu) - It is a toK3N that indicates that the sentence is a declaration or affirmation.
Other Words of this Type: Adjective, noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: Adjective, noun
