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:

円滑なコミュニケーションが大切です。

Enkatsu na komyunikēshon ga taisetsu desu

Smooth communication is important.

• 円滑な - smooth, no problem
• コミュニケーション - Communication
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - verb to be in the polite form

冷静に考えて行動することが大切です。

Reisei ni kangaete koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to calmly act and think before you act.

It is important to think calmly and act.

• 冷静に - Calmly
• 考えて - thinking
• 行動する - Act
• ことが - is important
• 大切です - crucial

出席することは大切です。

Shusseki suru koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to participate.

• 出席すること - participate / attend
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important / valuable
• です - verb be (polite form)

切りの技術を磨くことが大切です。

Kirinotekunikku wo migaku koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to improve the cutting technique.

It is important to improve cutting technology.

• 切りの技術 - Cutting skills
• を - Direct object particle
• 磨く - Improve
• こと - Abstract noun
• が - Subject particle
• 大切 - Important
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

判断力が大切です。

Handanryoku ga taisetsu desu

Judgment is important.

• 判断力 (handanryoku) - judgment skills
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form

利用することは大切です。

Riyō suru koto wa taisetsu desu

Using is important.

It's important to use it.

• 利用する - It means "use" or "utilize".
• こと - It is a noun that means "thing" or "fact". In this case, it is used to indicate that the act of "using" is important.
• は - It is a particle that marks the topic of the sentence. In this case, it indicates that what is important is the act of "using".
• 大切 - It is an adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• です - is a polite way of saying "is" or "is".

効率的に仕事をすることが大切です。

Kōritsu

It is important to work efficiently.

• 効率的に - Adverb that means "efficiently"
• 仕事 - noun that means "work"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• する - verb that means "to do"
• こと - noun that means "thing"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important"
• です - an auxiliary verb indicating the polite and formal form of the sentence

区切りをつけることは大切です。

Kugiri wo tsukeru koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to set boundaries.

It's important to take a break.

• 区切り - kugiri - separation
• を - wo - direct object particle
• つける - tsukeru - put, add
• こと - koto - abstract noun
• は - wa - Topic particle
• 大切 - taisetsu - important, valuable
• です - is (a Japanese copula, often used to indicate a state of being) Verb to be/estar in the present

印鑑は大切なものです。

Inkan wa taisetsu na mono desu

The stamp is an important thing.

The seal is important.

• 印鑑 - means "stamp" or "seal" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - means "important" or "precious" in Japanese.
• な - adjective particle in Japanese, used to modify a noun.
• もの - means "thing" or "object" in Japanese.
• です - Japanese verb to be, used to indicate a statement or a current situation.

原因を探ることが大切です。

Gennin wo saguru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to look for the root cause.

It is important to explore the cause.

• 原因 - means "cause" in Japanese.
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 探る - verb meaning "to investigate" or "to explore".
• こと - Noun meaning "thing" or "fact".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is a statement.