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:

適確な判断をすることが重要です。

Tekikaku na handan wo suru koto ga juuyou desu

It is important to do accurate judgments.

It is important to make an appropriate decision.

• 適確な - I need, exact
• 判断をする - Making a decision, judging
• ことが - Particle indicating that the previous word is the subject of the sentence
• 重要です - is important

防止することは重要です。

Bōshi suru koto wa jūyō desu

Prevention is important.

It is important to avoid it.

• 防止する - verb that means "to prevent"
• こと - noun that indicates "thing"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, in this case "prevention"
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important"
• です - verb to be in the present, indicating an affirmation

阻止することは重要です。

Soshi suru koto wa juuyou desu

It is important to prevent.

It is important to stop.

• 阻止する - verb that means "to prevent"
• こと - noun that means "thing"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important"
• です - verb that indicates the present and formality

風土は文化を形成する重要な要素です。

Fūdo wa bunka o keisei suru jūyōna yōso desu

Conxon is an important factor in the formation of a culture.

• 風土 - Means "climate and soil" in Japanese, referring to the geographic characteristics of a region.
• 文化 - refers to the beliefs, values, customs and traditions of a group of people.
• 形成する - means "to form" or "mold" in Japanese, indicating that culture is influenced by the environment.
• 重要な - means "important" in Japanese, highlighting the relevance of the role of climate and soil in shaping culture.
• 要素 - means "element" in Japanese, referring to the components that make up something.

食品は私たちの健康にとても重要です。

Shokuhin wa watashitachi no kenkou ni totemo juuyou desu

Food is very important for our health.

• 食品 - foods
• は - Topic particle
• 私たち - We
• の - Possessive particle
• 健康 - health
• に - Destination particle
• とても - Very
• 重要 - Important
• です - Verb "to be" in the present

線は美しいデザインを作り出す重要な要素です。

Sen wa utsukushii dezain wo tsukuri dasu juuyou na youso desu

Line is an important factor in creating a beautiful design.

• 線 - means "line" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 美しい - The adjective that means "pretty" or "beautiful" in Japanese is "美しい" (utsukushii).
• デザイン - borrowed from the English word for "design"
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 作り出す - verb meaning "to create" or "to produce" in Japanese
• 重要な - 重要 (じゅうよう)
• 要素 - noun meaning "element" or "component" in Japanese
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate a statement or affirmation

重要なことを忘れないでください。

Juuyou na koto wo wasurenai de kudasai

Please don't forget the important things.

Don't forget important things.

• 重要なこと - means "important things".
• を - object particle.
• 忘れないで - means "do not forget".
• ください - it's a polite way to ask for something, in this case, "please".
• . - period indicating the end of the sentence.

鉄鋼は現代社会において重要な産業です。

Tetsukou wa gendai shakai ni oite juuyou na sangyou desu

The steel industry is important in modern society.

Steel is an important industry in modern society.

• 鉄鋼 - steel
• は - Topic particle
• 現代社会 - Modern society
• において - in
• 重要な - important
• 産業 - industry
• です - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

鉱業は地球環境に影響を与える重要な産業です。

Kougyou wa chikyuu kankyou ni eikyou wo ataeru juuyou na sangyou desu

Mining is an important industry that affects the environment of the earth.

Mining is an important industry that affects the global environment.

• 鉱業 - mining industry
• は - Topic particle
• 地球環境 - Earth's environment
• に - target particle
• 影響を与える - make an impact
• 重要な - important
• 産業 - industry
• です - Verb to be/estar

運輸業は国の経済にとって重要な役割を果たしています。

Un'yu gyō wa kuni no keizai ni totte jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu

The transport industry plays an important role in the national economy.

The transport industry plays an important role in the national economy.

• 運輸業 - Transportation industry
• は - Topic particle
• 国 - country
• の - Possession particle
• 経済 - economy
• にとって - for
• 重要な - important
• 役割 - paper
• を果たしています - performs