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

危ない

abunai

Dangerous; critical; serious; incerto; unreliable; limping; narrow; close; careful!

咄嗟

tosa

time; instantaneous

伝える

tsutaeru

to transmit; report; to communicate; tell; to transmit; to transmit; propagate; to teach; bequeath

付き合う

tsukiau

associate with; keep company; to continue

保つ

tamotsu

maintain; preserve; sustain; retain; keep; support; uphold; last; endure; keep well (food); wear out

貴い

tattoi

precious; valuable; invaluable; noble; exalted; sacred

大した

taishita

considerable; big; important; significant; a big deal

重大

jyuudai

important; heavy

重宝

jyuuhou

priceless treasure; convenience; utility

重要

jyuuyou

important; significant; fundamental; main; big

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.

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:

観察することは大切です。

Kansatsu suru koto wa taisetsu desu

Observing is important.

It is important to observe.

観察すること - observation
は - Topic particle
大切 - important
です - Verb to be/estar in the present

言葉遣いは大切です。

Kotoba tsukai wa taisetsu desu

The choice of words is important.

Words are important.

言葉遣い - means "use of words" or "way of speaking".
は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, indicating that the subject to be addressed is "言葉遣い".
大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.

討論は意見を交換することの大切さを教えてくれる。

Tōron wa iken o kōkan suru koto no taisetsusa o oshiete kureru

The discussion teaches the importance of exchanging opinions.

The debate tells us about the importance of exchanging opinions.

討論 (tōron) - debate/discussion
は (wa) - Topic particle
意見 (iken) - opinion
を (wo) - direct object particle
交換する (kōkan suru) - exchange
こと (koto) - noun maker
の (no) - Possession particle
大切さ (taisetsusa) - importance
を (wo) - direct object particle
教えてくれる (oshiete kureru) - teach me

行いは大切なことです。

Gyoui wa taisetsu na koto desu

Conduct is an important thing.

Doing is important.

行い (gyou i) - behavior, conduct
は (wa) - Topic particle
大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
な (na) - Particle indicating adjective
こと (koto) - thing, subject
です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

義務を果たすことは大切です。

Gimu wo hatasu koto wa taisetsu desu

Fulfilling obligations is important.

It is important to fulfill your duty.

義務 (gimu) - Duty, obligation
を (wo) - direct object particle
果たす (hatasu) - fulfill, carry out
こと (koto) - abstract noun
は (wa) - Topic particle
大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

自然に生きることが大切です。

Shizen ni ikiru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to live naturally.

自然に - means "naturally".
生きる - means "to live".
ことが - is a particle that indicates that what follows is a noun or noun phrase.
大切 - means "important".
です - is a particle that indicates that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative.

自衛は大切なことです。

Translation: Self

defense is an important thing

Self -defense is important.

自衛 - it means self-defense or self-defense.
は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
大切 - means important or valuable.
な - grammatical particle indicating an adjective.
こと - it means thing or matter.
です - verb to be in polite form.

繋ぐことが大切です。

Tsunagu koto ga taisetsu desu

Connecting is important.

It is important to connect.

繋ぐ (tsunagu) - means "connect" or "unite"
こと (koto) - it is a suffix that indicates "thing" or "fact"
が (ga) - it is a particle that marks the subject of the sentence
大切 (taisetsu) - means "important" or "valuable"
です (desu) - It is a linking verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence

純粋な心が大切です。

Junsui na kokoro ga taisetsu desu

A pure heart is important.