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:

テストは大切な学習の一環です。

Tesuto wa taisetsu na gakushuu no ikkan desu

Tests are an important part of learning.

Tests are part of important learning.

• テスト - test
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - Important
• な - adjectival suffix
• 学習 - apprenticeship
• の - Possessive particle
• 一環 - Part of it
• です - Verb to be/estar

イメージを大切にしましょう。

Imēji o taisetsu ni shimashou

Let's value the image.

Let's value the image.

• イメージ - image
• を - object particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• に - adverbial particle
• しましょう - let's do it

アクセントが大切です。

Akusento ga taisetsu desu

The accent is important.

The accent is important.

• アクセント (akusento) - accent
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - polite form of the verb "to be"

インターナショナルな交流が大切です。

Intānashonaru na kōryū ga taisetsu desu

International exchange is important.

• インターナショナル - International
• な - Particle indicating adjective
• 交流 - Exchange
• が - particle that indicates subject
• 大切 - Important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

お出でになることが大切です。

O ide ni naru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to leave.

It is important to be out.

• お出でになること - It means "to attend" or "to be present", it's a formal expression in Japanese.
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

この封筒には大切な手紙が入っています。

Kono fuutou ni wa taisetsu na tegami ga haitteimasu

This envelope contains an important letter.

• この - this
• 封筒 - envelope
• に - in
• は - is
• 大切な - important
• 手紙 - letter
• が - (subject particle)
• 入っています - it's inside

このファイルは大切な情報が入っています。

Kono fairu wa taisetsu na jōhō ga haitteimasu

This file contains important information.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• ファイル - noun that means "file"
• は - topic particle indicating that what follows is the subject of the sentence
• 大切な - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• 情報 - noun meaning "information"
• が - Subject marker that indicates that what comes next is the subject of the sentence
• 入っています - verb that means "to be contained" or "to be included" in the present and polite form

この票は大切です。

Kono hyō wa taisetsu desu

This vote is important.

This vote is important.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 票 - noun that means "vote" or "ballot"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• です - verb ser/estar in the polite and formal form

この記録は大切です。

Kono kiroku wa taisetsu desu

This recording is important.

This record is important.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 記録 - noun meaning "record" or "notation"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form

サービスは大切な要素です。

Saabisu wa taisetsu na youso desu

Services are important factors.

• サービス - Service
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• な - adjectival suffix
• 要素 - element
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present