Translation and Meaning of: 重要 - jyuuyou

The Japanese word 重要[じゅうよう] is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its meaning goes beyond the simple translation, carrying nuances that reflect the deep values of Japanese society. In this article, we will explore what makes this word so relevant, from its origin to its use in everyday life and in formal contexts.

In addition to understanding what 重要 literally means, we will see how it is perceived by native speakers, its frequency in conversations, and even tips for memorizing it effectively. If you have ever wondered why this word appears so often in animes, dramas, or even in official documents, keep reading to find out.

Meaning and Translation of 重要

The word 重要[じゅうよう] is generally translated as "important" or "essential." However, its meaning in Japanese goes a bit further, indicating something that carries weight, value, or priority in a specific context. It is often used to describe tasks, decisions, or objects that cannot be neglected.

Unlike other words that also mean "important," such as 大切[たいせつ], 重要 has a more objective and practical tone. While 大切 can convey a sense of affection or care, 重要 is more often used in situations that require seriousness, such as in work or strategic discussions.

Origin and Composition of Kanji

The kanji 重要 is composed of two characters: 重[じゅう], which means "heavy" or "important," and 要[よう], which can be translated as "necessary" or "essential." Together, they convey the idea of something that has significant weight and cannot be ignored. This combination reflects well the usage of the word in modern Japanese.

It's worth noting that 重 also appears in other words related to importance, such as 重大[じゅうだい] (grave, serious) and 重視[じゅうし] (to give importance). On the other hand, 要 is a versatile kanji, found in terms like 要点[ようてん] (main point) and 必要[ひつよう] (necessary). Understanding these components helps to memorize the meaning of 重要 more easily.

Cultural Usage and Frequency in Daily Life

In Japan, 重要 is a word that frequently appears in professional and educational settings. Companies use it to highlight priority goals, while schools employ it to emphasize essential content. Its presence in manuals, contracts, and official communications shows its significance in formal language.

Outside the workplace, 重要 also comes up in discussions about health, safety, and family planning. For example, phrases like "これは重要な問題です" (This is an important issue) are common in news reports and public debates. This broad application makes the word one of the most useful for those who want to communicate accurately in Japanese.

Tips for Memorizing and Using Correctly

An effective way to reinforce 重要 is to associate it with concrete situations where something is truly indispensable. Think of phrases like "この書類は重要です" (This document is important) or "重要な会議があります" (There is an important meeting). Repeating these examples out loud helps to internalize the term.

Another tip is to observe the use of 重要 in authentic materials, such as newspapers, podcasts, or Japanese series. Often, the context in which the word appears reveals nuances that dictionaries do not fully explain. Over time, you will begin to notice when and how to use it naturally.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 重大 (juudai) - Very serious, of great importance or magnitude.
• 大切 (taisetsu) - Important, valuable; emphasizes the care or consideration we must have.
• 重要性のある (juuyousei no aru) - What is important; used to describe something that is essential or significant.
• 要するに (yosuru ni) - In summary; used to simplify or summarize information, emphasizing the essential.
• 要件 (youken) - Requirement, a necessary condition; highlights the need to achieve a goal.
• 要点 (youten) - Main point; refers to the most important or central parts of a discussion.

重要

Romaji: jyuuyou
Kana: じゅうよう
Type: Noun, adjective
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: important; significant; fundamental; main; big

Meaning in English: important;momentous;essential;principal;major

Definition: It's important.

Example Sentences - (重要) jyuuyou

See below some example sentences:

言論の自由は重要です。

Genron no jiyuu wa juuyou desu

Freedom of expression is important.

Freedom of expression is important.

• 言論 - means "freedom of expression" in Japanese.
• の - a possession particle in Japanese, which indicates that the previous word is the possessor of the following word.
• 自由 - means "freedom" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, which indicates that the previous word is the subject of the sentence.
• 重要 - means "important" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, which indicates that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative.

炊事は家事の中でも重要な役割を担っています。

Suiji wa kaji no naka demo juuyou na yakuwari wo ninatte imasu

Cooking is an important role among household chores.

Cooking plays an important role in housework.

• 炊事 - Food preparation, kitchen
• 家事 - Housework
• 中でも - Among them, especially
• 重要な - Important
• 役割を担っています - Plays a role

控除は税金を減らすための重要な手段です。

Koujo wa zeikin wo herasu tame no juuyou na shudan desu

Deductions are an important means of reducing taxes.

The deduction is an important means of reducing taxes.

• 控除 - means "deduction" in Japanese.
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 税金 - means "tax" in Japanese.
• を - is a grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 減らす - means "decrease" in Japanese.
• ため - means "to" or "in order to" in Japanese.
• の - is a grammatical particle that indicates possession or attribution.
• 重要な - means "important" in Japanese.
• 手段 - means "middle" or "way" in Japanese.
• です - is a polite way of stating something in Japanese.

描写は小説や詩において非常に重要な要素です。

Miyashou wa shousetsu ya shi ni oite hijou ni juuyou na youso desu

The description is a very important element in novels and poems.

Description is a very important factor in novels and poems.

• 描写 (byousha) - Description
• 小説 (shousetsu) - romance, fiction
• 詩 (shi) - poetry
• において (ni oite) - in, within
• 非常に (hijou ni) - extremely
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 要素 (yousu) - element
• です (desu) - is

官僚は政府の中で重要な役割を果たしています。

Kanryou wa seifu no naka de juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu

Bureaucrats play an important role in government.

Bureaucrats play an important role in government.

• 官僚 - bureaucrats
• は - Topic particle
• 政府 - government
• の - Possession particle
• 中で - In the middle of
• 重要な - important
• 役割を - Paper, function
• 果たしています - perform

ビジネスは世界中で重要な役割を果たしています。

Bijinesu wa sekaijuu de juuyou na yakuwari o hatashite imasu

Business plays an important role all over the world.

Business plays an important role all over the world.

• ビジネス - katakana word meaning "business"
• は - Topic particle
• 世界中 - an expression that means "all over the world"
• で - Particle that indicates the place where something happens
• 重要な - Adjective meaning "important"
• 役割 - noun meaning "role" or "function"
• を - direct object particle
• 果たしています - verb meaning "to perform" or "to fulfill", conjugated in the present affirmative

高等教育は重要です。

Kōtō kyōiku wa jūyō desu

Higher education is important.

Higher education is important.

• 高等教育 - higher education
• は - Topic particle
• 重要 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

長官は国の重要なポジションです。

Choukan wa kuni no juuyou na pojiton desu

The office of choukan is an important position in the country.

The secretary is an important position for the country.

• 長官 - means "boss" or "leader" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence.
• 国 - "País" significa "国" (kuni) em japonês.
• の - Japanese particle of possession, used to indicate that a "country" owns something.
• 重要な - means "important" in Japanese, used as an adjective for "ポジション".
• ポジション - means "position" in English, but is often used in Japanese to refer to a job or position.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate that the sentence is a statement or affirmation.

防衛は国の重要な役割です。

Bouei wa kuni no juuyou na yakuwari desu

Defense is an important role of the country.

Defense is an important role in the country.

• 防衛 - defense
• は - Topic particle
• 国 - country
• の - Possession particle
• 重要な - important
• 役割 - Paper, function
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

運搬は重要な作業です。

Unpan wa juuyou na sagyou desu

Transport is an important task.

• 運搬 (unpan) - transportation, loading
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• 作業 (sagyou) - work, operation
• です (desu) - verb to be, to stay