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:

私たちは常に目標を持って前進することが大切です。

Watashitachi wa tsuneni mokuhyō o motte zenshin suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important that we always advance with our goals.

• 私たちは - We
• 常に - Always
• 目標を - Goals
• 持って - TO HAVE
• 前進することが - advance
• 大切です - is important

私たちは毎日の活動を大切にしています。

Watashitachi wa mainichi no katsudō o taisetsu ni shiteimasu

We value our daily activities.

We value our daily activities.

• 私たちは - We
• 毎日の - diary
• 活動を - Activities
• 大切にしています - We value a lot

空間を大切にしましょう。

Kukan wo taisetsu ni shimashou

Let's value the space.

• 空間 (kuukan) - space
• を (wo) - Particle that indicates the object of the action
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the manner in which something is done
• しましょう (shimashou) - polite form of the verb "to do"

筋肉が大切です。

Kin'niku ga taisetsu desu

The muscles are important.

• 筋肉 (kin'niku) - Muscle
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense

筆記をすることは大切です。

Hikki wo suru koto wa taisetsu desu

Taking notes is important.

It's important to write.

• 筆記 - handwriting
• を - direct object particle
• する - make
• こと - thing
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

経験を心得ることが大切です。

Keiken wo kokorogeru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to have experience.

It is important to know your experience.

• 経験 - experience
• を - object particle
• 心得る - To know, to understand
• こと - Abstract noun
• が - Subject particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - verb "to be"

結束は大切な瞬間です。

Kessoku wa taisetsu na shunkan desu

Unit is an important moment.

• 結束 - means "union" or "cohesion".
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the theme of the sentence.
• 大切 - means "important" or "precious".
• な - grammatical particle indicating an adjective.
• 瞬間 - means "moment" or "instant".
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense.

繋がりを大切にしましょう。

Tsunagari wo taisetsu ni shimashou

Let's value our connections.

Let's value the connection.

• 繋がり (tsunagari) - connection, relationship
• を (wo) - object particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• に (ni) - target particle
• しましょう (shimashou) - Kindly form of the verb "fazer", indicating a suggestion or invitation

考えることが大切です。

Kangaeru koto ga taisetsu desu

Thinking is important.

It is important to think.

• 考えること - means "to think" or "reflect" in Japanese.
• が - is a grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - means "important" or "valuable" in Japanese.
• です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar" in Japanese.

聴覚は大切な感覚です。

Choukaku wa taisetsu na kankaku desu

Hearing is an important feeling.

• 聴覚 (choukaku) - hearing
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• 感覚 (kankaku) - sense
• です (desu) - Verb ser/estar (polite form)