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:

役目を果たすことが大切です。

Yakume wo hatasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to fulfill your role.

It's important to play a role.

• 役目 - Paper, function
• を - object particle
• 果たす - fulfill, perform
• こと - verb noun
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - polite way of being

役割を果たすことが大切です。

Yakuwari wo hatasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to fulfill the role.

It's important to play a role.

• 役割 - Paper, function
• を - object particle
• 果たす - perform, fulfill
• こと - verb noun
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

彼に大切な言葉を言付けた。

Kare ni taisetsu na kotoba o itetsuketa

I gave him important words to remember.

I told him an important word.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• に (ni) - Particle indicating the recipient of the action
• 大切な (taisetsu na) - important, valuable
• 言葉 (kotoba) - Word, language
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the action
• 言付けた (kotozuketa) - Transmitted, left a message

彼此を大切にしましょう。

Karekore wo taisetsu ni shimashou

Let's value each other.

Let's value it.

• 彼此 (karera kore) - a Japanese term that means "one another"
• を (wo) - a Japanese particle that indicates the object of an action
• 大切 (taisetsu) - An adjective in Japanese that means "important" or "precious"
• に (ni) - a Japanese particle that indicates the direction or target of an action
• しましょう (shimashou) - A polite and courteous form of the Japanese verb "suru" which means "let's do"

従って行動することが大切です。

Juntatte koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It's important to act accordingly.

So it's important to act.

• 従って - it means "consequently" or "according to".
• 行動する - means "to act" or "to behave".
• こと - it is a noun that indicates action or event.
• が - It is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar".

心掛けは大切です。

Kokorogake wa taisetsu desu

Having a mindset is important.

Being careful is important.

• 心掛け - means "attitude" or "behavior" in Japanese.
• は - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 大切 - means "important" or "valuable" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate an affirmation or a statement.

心得を持って行動することが大切です。

Kokoroe wo motte koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to act with knowledge and experience.

It is important to act with knowledge.

• 心得 - knowledge, understanding
• を - direct object particle
• 持って - verb "to have, to own" in the gerund
• 行動 - action, behavior
• する - Verb "to do" in the present
• こと - abstract noun, in this case, "the fact of"
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - verb "to be" in the present, formal

応急手当は大切です。

Oujo teate wa taisetsu desu

First aid are important.

First aid benefits are important.

• 応急手当 (oukyuu shutoo) - First aid
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - Important
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

忠告を聞くことは大切です。

Chuukoku wo kiku koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to hear advice.

It is important to hear the advice.

• 忠告 - advice
• を - object particle
• 聞く - to hear
• こと - action noun
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

怒りを抑えることが大切です。

Okori wo osaeru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to control anger.

It is important to suppress anger.

• 怒りを抑える - It means "control anger".
• ことが - It is a particle that indicates that the previous phrase is a noun.
• 大切 - means "important".
• です - it is a particle that indicates that the sentence is in the present and is formal.