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)
Related words
tsutaeru
to transmit; report; to communicate; tell; to transmit; to transmit; propagate; to teach; bequeath
tamotsu
maintain; preserve; sustain; retain; keep; support; uphold; last; endure; keep well (food); wear out
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.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
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How to Write in Japanese - (大切) taisetsu
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (大切) taisetsu:
Example Sentences - (大切) taisetsu
See below some example sentences:
Koyū no bunka o taisetsu ni shimashou
Take care of your unique culture.
- 固有の - means "own, exclusive, peculiar".
- 文化 - means "culture".
- を - Particle that indicates the object of the action.
- 大切に - means "carefully, with attention, with affection".
- しましょう - The polite and respectful form of the verb "fazer", in the sense of "let's do", is "しましょう" (shimashou).
Kinkou wo tamotsu koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to maintain balance.
- 均衡 (kinkou) - balance
- を (wo) - object particle
- 保つ (tamotsu) - keep
- こと (koto) - Nominalizer noun
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 大切 (taisetsu) - important
- です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form
Taisetsu na hito wo taisetsu ni shimashou
Vamos tratar as pessoas importantes com cuidado.
Cuide de seus entes queridos.
- 大切な人 - pessoa importante
- を - object particle
- 大切に - com cuidado, com importância
- しましょう - let's do it
Sonza suru koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to exist.
- 存在する - means "to exist" in Japanese.
- こと - It is a particle that indicates that the previous word is an abstract noun.
- が - It is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
- 大切 - means "important" or "valuable" in Japanese.
- です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar" in Japanese.
Gakusei wa benkyou suru koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important for students to study.
It is important for students to study.
- 学生 - student
- は - Topic particle
- 勉強する - studying
- こと - thing
- が - subject particle
- 大切 - important
- です - Verb to be/estar
Takara wa taisetsu na mono desu
Treasures are important.
- 宝 - treasure
- は - Topic particle
- 大切 - Important, precious
- な - adjective particle
- もの - thing
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Jikkou suru koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to perform.
- 実行する - run
- こと - thing
- が - subject particle
- 大切 - important
- です - Verb to be
Jikkan wo motte koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to act with the feeling of reality.
It is important to act with a real feeling.
- 実感 - real sensation, personal experience
- を - object particle
- 持って - the verb "to have/possess" in gerund
- 行動する - verb "to act/to perform" in the infinitive
- こと - abstract noun, indication of action
- が - subject particle
- 大切 - important, valuable
- です - verb "to be/estar" in the present tense
Kankyanteki ni monogoto wo miru koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to see things objectively.
It is important to see things objectively.
- 客観的に - objectively
- 物事 - things, subjects
- を - direct object particle
- 見る - see, observe
- こと - abstract noun indicating action or event
- が - subject particle
- 大切 - important, valuable
- です - Verb ser/estar in the formal present tense
Kakei wo tateru koto wa taisetsu desu
It is important to make a household budget.
It is important to make a family.
- 家計 - Household finances
- を - Direct object particle
- 立てる - Establish, create
- こと - Abstract noun
- は - Topic particle
- 大切 - important, valuable
- です - polite way of being
Other Words of this Type: Adjective, noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: Adjective, noun
