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.
Related words
tamotsu
maintain; preserve; sustain; retain; keep; support; uphold; last; endure; keep well (food); wear out
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.
Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (重要) jyuuyou
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (重要) jyuuyou:
Example Sentences - (重要) jyuuyou
See below some example sentences:
Ketsueki wa karada no naka de juuyou na yakuwari o hatashite imasu
Blood plays an important role in the body.
Blood plays an important role in the body.
- 血液 (ketsueki) - blood
- 身体 (shintai) - body
- 重要 (juuyou) - important
- 役割 (yakuwari) - role/function
- 果たす (hatasu) - perform/fulfill
- しています (shiteimasu) - Is doing
Kekkan wa tainai no ketsueki o hakobu juuyou na yakuwari o hatashite imasu
The blood vessels play an important role in transporting blood throughout the body.
Blood vessels play an important role in transporting blood in the body.
- 血管 (ketsukan) - blood vessel
- 体内 (tainai) - inside the body
- 血液 (ketsueki) - blood
- 運ぶ (hakobu) - transport
- 重要な (juuyou na) - important
- 役割 (yakuwari) - role/function
- 果たしています (hatashite imasu) - performing
Gyōsei wa kokka no jūyōna yakuwari desu
Administration is an important role of the state.
The government plays an important role in the nation.
- 行政 (gyousei) - administration
- 国家 (kokka) - state
- 重要な (juuyou na) - important
- 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
- です (desu) - verb to be"
Seizōgyō wa Nihon no keizai ni totte jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu
The manufacturing industry plays an important role in the economy of Japan.
The manufacturing industry plays an important role in the Japanese economy.
- 製造業 - Manufacturing industry
- は - Topic particle
- 日本の - From Japan
- 経済にとって - For the economy
- 重要な - Important
- 役割を果たしています - Plays a role
Seitetsu wa Nihon no juuyou na sangyou no hitotsu desu
Steel production is one of Japan's important industries.
Siderúrgica is one of the important industries in Japan.
- 製鉄 (せいてつ) - siderurgia
- は - Topic particle
- 日本 (にほん) - Japan
- の - Possession particle
- 重要な (じゅうような) - important
- 産業 (さんぎょう) - industry
- の - Possession particle
- 一つ (ひとつ) - I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the content for translation.
- です - Verb "to be"
Koukuu kaisha wa ryokousha ni totte juuyou na sonzai desu
Airlines are an important presence for travelers.
The airline is important for travelers.
- 航空会社 - airline
- は - Topic particle
- 旅行者 - traveler
- にとって - for
- 重要な - important
- 存在 - existence
- です - Verb "to be"
Kōkogaku wa rekishi o shiru tame ni jūyōna gakumon desu
Archaeology is an important discipline for understanding history.
Archaeology is an important learning tool to understand history.
- 考古学 - archaeology
- は - Topic particle
- 歴史 - history
- を - direct object particle
- 知る - to know, to be familiar with
- ために - in order to
- 重要な - important
- 学問 - academic discipline
- です - verb "to be" (in the present)
Ishitan wa karyoku hatsudensho de tsukawareru juuyou na enerugii gen desu
Coal is an important source of energy used in thermal power plants.
Coal is an important source of energy used in thermal power plants.
- 石炭 (sekitan) - coal
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 火力発電所 (karyoku hatsudensho) - power plant
- で (de) - Location particle
- 使われる (tsukawareru) - to be used
- 重要な (juuyouna) - important
- エネルギー源 (enerugii gen) - energy source
- です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
Chikusan wa Nihon no juuyou na sangyou no hitotsu desu
Livestock is one of Japan's important industries.
Cattle is one of Japan's important industries.
- 畜産 - animal production
- は - Topic particle
- 日本 - Japan
- の - Possession particle
- 重要な - important
- 産業 - industry
- の - Possession particle
- 一つ - I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the content for translation.
- です - Ser/estar (linking verb)
Gyogyo wa Nihon no juuyou na sangyou no hitotsu desu
Fishing is one of the important industries in Japan.
Fishing is one of the important industries in Japan.
- 漁業 - fishing
- は - Topic particle
- 日本 - Japan
- の - Possession particle
- 重要な - important
- 産業 - industry
- の - Possession particle
- 一つ - I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the content for translation.
- です - is
Other Words of this Type: Noun, adjective
See other words from our dictionary that are also: Noun, adjective
