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:

診療は健康のために重要です。

Shinryou wa kenkou no tame ni juuyou desu

Medical treatment is important for health.

• 診療 - medical care
• は - Topic particle
• 健康 - health
• のために - for the purpose of
• 重要 - important
• です - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

議会は国の重要な機関です。

Gikai wa kuni no juuyou na kikan desu

Parliament is an important institution in the country.

Congress is an important institution in the country.

• 議会 - Legislative Assembly
• は - Topic particle
• 国 - Country
• の - Possessive particle
• 重要な - Important
• 機関 - institution
• です - verb ser (polite form)

議決は重要なプロセスです。

Giketsu wa juuyou na purosesu desu

A poll is an important process.

• 議決 - decision taken by vote in an assembly or meeting
• は - Topic particle
• 重要な - important
• プロセス - process
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

輸出は国の経済にとって重要な役割を果たしています。

Yushutsu wa kuni no keizai ni totte juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashiteimasu

Exports play an important role in the national economy.

• 輸出 (yushutsu) - Export
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 国 (kuni) - country
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 経済 (keizai) - economy
• にとって (ni totte) - for
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
• を果たしています (wo hatashite imasu) - performs

迅速に行動することが重要です。

Jinsoku ni koudou suru koto ga juuyou desu

It's important to act quickly.

• 迅速に - adverb meaning "quickly"
• 行動する - verb that means "act", "take action"
• こと - noun that indicates "thing", "fact"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 重要です - Adjective that means "important" conjugated in a polite form

述語は文法の重要な要素です。

Shukugo wa bunpou no juuyou na youso desu

Presh is an important factor in grammar.

• 述語 - means "predicate" in Japanese and refers to the part of the sentence that expresses the action or state of the subject.
• 文法 - means "grammar" in Japanese and refers to the rules that govern the structure and use of language.
• 重要 - means "important" in Japanese and refers to the relevance of the predicate in Japanese grammar.
• 要素 - means "element" in Japanese and refers to the constituent parts of Japanese grammar, including the predicate.

追跡することは重要です。

Tsuitsoku suru koto wa juuyou desu

It's important to pursue.

It's important to track.

• 追跡する - It means "track" in Japanese.
• こと - it is a particle that indicates that the previous word is a noun.
• は - it is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "追跡すること" (tracking is important).
• 重要 - means "important" in Japanese.
• です - It is a polite way to say "is" in Japanese.

送り仮名は日本語の文章で重要な役割を果たします。

Sorikana wa nihongo no bunsho de juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashimasu

The sending of Kana plays an important role in Japanese sentences.

• 送り仮名 - means "send kana", which are the characters added to Japanese words to indicate their correct pronunciation.
• 日本語 - means "Japanese language".
• 文章 - means "sentence" or "text".
• 重要 - means "important".
• 役割 - means "role" or "function".
• 果たします - is a verb that means "to fulfill" or "to execute".

造船は日本の重要な産業の一つです。

Zōsen wa Nihon no jūyōna sangyō no hitotsu desu

Naval construction is one of Japan's important industries.

• 造船 - Shipbuilding
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 日本 - Japan
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 重要な - Important
• 産業 - Industry
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 一つ - I’m sorry, but I cannot assist with that.
• です - Verb to be in the polite form