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:

タイムは大切です。

Taimu wa taisetsu desu

Time is important.

• タイム - time
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

ノイローゼにならないようにストレスを減らすことが大切です。

Noroze ni naranai you ni sutoresu wo herasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to reduce stress so as not to develop neurosis.

It is important to reduce stress so that it does not become a neurosis.

• ノイローゼ - a word in Japanese that means "neurosis".
• にならない - a negative form of the verb "naru", which means "to become."
• ように - a particle that indicates the intent or purpose of an action.
• ストレス - stress
• を - a particle that indicates the direct object of a sentence.
• 減らす - a verb that means "diminish" or "reduce".
• こと - a particle that indicates that the previous sentence is a noun or concept.
• が - a particle that indicates the subject of a sentence.
• 大切 - An adjective that means "important" or "valuable."
• です - A polite form of the verb "to be" in Japanese.

はきはきと話すことが大切です。

Hakihaki to hanasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to speak clearly and concisely.

It is important to talk to the postcard.

• はきはきと話すこと - means "to speak clearly and with confidence".
• が - a particle that indicates a relationship of contrast or opposition.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です - a polite way of saying something in Japanese.

レギュラーな生活を送ることが大切です。

Regyurā na seikatsu o okuru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to lead a regular life.

It is important to live a regular life.

• レギュラー - regular
• な - (grammatical particle that indicates adjective)
• 生活 - life, lifestyle
• を - (grammatical particle indicating direct object)
• 送る - send, send, live
• こと - (grammatical particle indicating action or event)
• が - (grammatical particle indicating subject)
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - (grammatical particle indicating sentence completion)

一日一生の大切な時間です。

Ichinichi isshou no taisetsu na jikan desu

A day is an important moment in life.

It is an important moment for a lifetime.

• 一日 (ichinichi) - um dia
• 一生 (isshou) - a lifetime
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 時間 (jikan) - time
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

中立な立場を守ることが大切です。

Chūritsu na tachiba o mamoru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to maintain a neutral position.

It is important to protect a neutral position.

• 中立な - adjective that means "neutral"
• 立場 - noun that means "position" or "posture"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 守る - verb that means "to protect" or "to maintain"
• こと - abstract noun that indicates "thing" or "fact"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• です - linking verb that indicates the polite form of discourse

予防は治療よりも大切です。

Yobou wa chiryou yori mo taisetsu desu

Prevention is more important than treatment. With the word "防ぐ"

Prevention is more important than treatment.

• 予防 - Prevention
• は - Topic particle
• 治療 - Treatment
• よりも - more than
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

互いに理解し合うことが大切です。

Tagai ni rikai shiau koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to understand each other.

• 互いに - means "each other" or "mutually".
• 理解 - means "understanding" or "comprehension".
• し合う - is a verb form that indicates the action of "doing together" or "helping each other".
• こと - is a noun meaning "thing" or "subject".
• が - It is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar".

人情を大切にしましょう。

Ninjou wo taisetsu ni shimashou

Let's value human feelings.

Let's value humanity.

• 人情 - It means "human feeling" or "human emotion."
• を - object particle.
• 大切 - means "important" or "precious".
• に - destination or location particle.
• しましょう - polite and polite way of the verb "fazer".

他人を尊重することが大切です。

Tajin wo sonchou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to respect others.

• 他人 - means "other people"
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action
• 尊重する - means "respect"
• こと - abstract noun that indicates an action or event
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - means "important"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form