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
- Sentences
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:
Wakaru koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to understand.
It is important to understand.
- 分かる - wakaru - verb meaning "to understand" or "to comprehend"
- こと - koto - noun meaning "thing" or "subject"
- が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 大切 - taisetsu - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
- です - is (a Japanese copula, often used to indicate a state of being) auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence
Kyōzon suru koto ga taisetsu desu
Coexistence is important.
It is important to coexist.
- 共存すること - coexistence - coexistence
- が - ga - subject particle
- 大切 - taisetsu - important
- です - is (a Japanese copula, often used to indicate a state of being) Verb to be/estar in the present
Hozon suru koto wa taisetsu desu
Saving is important.
It is important to save.
- 保存する - means "save" in Japanese.
- こと - it is a particle that indicates an action or event.
- は - is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
- 大切 - means "important" or "valuable" in Japanese.
- です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar" in Japanese.
Shin'yō wa taisetsu na mono desu
Confidence is very important.
Credit is important.
- 信用 (shin'yō) - means "credit" or "trust".
- は (wa) - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
- 大切 (taisetsu) - adjective meaning "important" or "precious."
- な (na) - grammatical particle that is used to modify an adjective.
- もの (mono) - noun meaning "thing".
- です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form.
Shinrai wa taisetsu na mono desu
Confidence is very important.
Confidence is important.
- 信頼 - Confidence
- は - Topic particle
- 大切 - important, valuable
- な - adjective particle
- もの - thing, object
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Kyūsoku wa taisetsu desu
Resting is important.
Resting is important.
- 休息 - means "rest" in Japanese
- は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 大切 - means "important" or "precious" in Japanese
- です - verb "to be" in the present, indicating an affirmation
Dentou wo taisetsu ni mamori tsuzukeru
We continue to protect and cherish our traditions.
Keep the tradition carefully.
- 伝統 (dentou) - Tradition
- を (wo) - object particle
- 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
- に (ni) - adverbial particle
- 守り続ける (mamori tsuzukeru) - keep protecting, preserving
Dentatsu wa taisetsu na komyunikēshon no ichibu desu
Communication is an important part of transmitting information.
Transmission is part of an important communication.
- 伝達 (Dentatsu) - transmission, communication
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
- な (na) - particle that emphasizes an adjective
- コミュニケーション (komyunikeeshon) - Communication
- の (no) - Particle indicating possession or relationship
- 一部 (ichibu) - Part, section
- です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense
Nani yori mo kazoku ga taisetsu desu
ABOVE ALL
Above all, the family is important.
- 何 - means "what" or "which"
- よりも - is a particle that indicates comparison, meaning "more than"
- 家族 - means "family"
- が - is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, meaning "the family"
- 大切 - means "important" or "valuable"
- です - is a particle that indicates the polite form of the verb "ser", meaning "is"
Kaigo wa taisetsu na shigoto desu
Taking care of the elderly is an important job.
Nursing is an important work.
- 介護 - care, assistance
- は - Topic particle
- 大切 - important, valuable
- な - adjective particle
- 仕事 - work, employment
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Other Words of this Type: Adjective, noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: Adjective, noun
