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:

金庫には大切なものが入っています。

Kinko ni wa taisetsu na mono ga haitteimasu

The safe has something important.

• 金庫 (kin-ko) - means "safe" in Japanese
• に (ni) - a Japanese particle that indicates the location of something
• は (wa) - a Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 大切な (taisetsu-na) - a Japanese adjective meaning "important" or "valuable"
• もの (mono) - means "thing" in Japanese
• が (ga) - a Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 入っています (haitte imasu) - a Japanese verb meaning "to be inside"

防犯意識を高めることが大切です。

Bouhan ishiki wo takameru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to increase crime prevention awareness.

It is important to increase safety awareness.

• 防犯意識 - security awareness
• を - object particle
• 高める - Increase, raise
• こと - abstract noun
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

雨天の日は傘を持って出かけるのが大切です。

Amten no hi wa kasa wo motte dekakeru no ga taisetsu desu

Em dias chuvosos

It is important to go out with an umbrella on rainy days.

• 雨天の日 - rainy day
• は - Topic particle
• 傘を持って - holding an umbrella
• 出かける - go out
• のが - nominal particle
• 大切です - is important

危機感を持って行動することが大切です。

Kikikan wo motte koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to act with a sense of crisis.

• 危機感 - feeling of crisis or danger
• を - direct object particle
• 持って - verb 持つ (to have, hold) in the gerund
• 行動 - action, behavior
• する - verb する (to do) in the infinitive
• こと - abstract noun indicating action or event
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - verb です (to be, to be) in the present tense

基礎を固めることが大切です。

Kiso wo katameru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to solidify the foundations.

It is important to solidify the foundation.

• 基礎 - means "foundation" or "base".
• を - object particle.
• 固める - verb meaning "to strengthen" or "to solidify".
• こと - Noun meaning "thing" or "fact".
• が - Subject particle.
• 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

根底にある価値観は大切です。

Konteki ni aru kachikan wa taisetsu desu

Underlying values are important.

• 根底 - means "base" or "foundation".
• にある - is a particle that indicates the location of something, in this case, "is located at the base".
• 価値観 - means "values" or "principles".
• は - is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "the values/principles".
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です - is a polite way of ending a sentence in Japanese, equivalent to "é" in Portuguese.

過程を大切にしましょう。

Katei wo taisetsu ni shimashou

Let's value the process.

Let's value the process.

• 過程 (katei) - process
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• に (ni) - adverbial particle
• しましょう (shimashou) - let's do it, let's carry it out

農地は大切な資源です。

Nouchi wa taisetsu na shigen desu

Agricultural land is a valuable resource.

Agricultural lands are an important resource.

• 農地 - arable land
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important
• な - adjective particle
• 資源 - resource
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

貯蔵庫には大切な品がたくさんあります。

Chozouko ni wa taisetsu na shina ga takusan arimasu

There are many important items stored in the warehouse.

There are many important items in storage.

• 貯蔵庫 - Warehouse, storage
• に - particle indicating location
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 大切な - important, valuable
• 品 - object, item
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• たくさん - many
• あります - verb "existir" in the present tense

謙虚な態度が大切です。

Kenkyo na taido ga taisetsu desu

A humble attitude is important.

A humble attitude is important.

• 謙虚な - humble
• 態度 - attitude
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present