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:

慎重に行動することが大切です。

Shinchou ni koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to act with caution.

It is important to act carefully.

• 慎重に - with care, with caution
• 行動する - act, take action
• ことが - the fact that
• 大切です - is important

手洗いは大切な衛生習慣です。

Tearai wa taisetsu na eisei shūkan desu

Washing hands is an important hygiene habit.

Hand washing is an important hygiene habit.

• 手洗い - handwashing
• は - Topic particle
• 大切な - important
• 衛生習慣 - hygiene habit
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

手間を省くことが大切です。

tema wo habuku koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to save time and effort.

It is important to save time.

• 手間を省く - means "to save time and effort".
• こと - It is a particle that indicates that the previous phrase is a noun.
• が - it is a particle that indicates that the previous sentence is the subject of the following sentence.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です - it is a polite way to assert something.

押さえることが大切です。

Osae ru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to hold on.

It is important to keep the low.

• 押さえる (osae ru) - hold, control
• こと (koto) - thing, subject
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form

拭くことは大切な清潔の習慣です。

Fuku koto wa taisetsu na seiketsu no shūkan desu

Cleaning is an important hygiene habit.

Cleanliness is an important clean habit.

• 拭くこと - action of cleaning or wiping something
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 大切な - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• 清潔 - noun meaning "cleanliness" or "hygiene"
• の - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship between words
• 習慣 - noun meaning "habit" or "custom"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

挨拶は大切な社交行為です。

Aisatsu wa taisetsu na shakou koui desu

Greetings are an important social act.

• 挨拶 (aisatsu) - greeting
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 社交 (shakou) - socialization, social interaction
• 行為 (koui) - action, behavior
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

掃除をするのは大切なことです。

Sōji o suru no wa taisetsu na koto desu

Cleaning is an important thing.

Cleaning is important.

• 掃除 - cleaning
• をする - make
• のは - is
• 大切 - important
• な - (particle that indicates adjective)
• こと - thing
• です - is

提示は大切なことです。

Teiji wa taisetsu na koto desu

The presentation is important.

• 提示 (teiji) - means "hint" or "suggestion" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese grammatical particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 大切 (taisetsu) - means "important" or "valuable" in Japanese
• な (na) - Japanese grammatical particle used to modify adjectives
• こと (koto) - means "thing" or "subject" in Japanese
• です (desu) - Japanese verb to be, used to indicate affirmation or politeness

敬語を使うことは大切です。

Keigo wo tsukau koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to use respectful language.

It is important to use honorifics.

• 敬語 - Japanese term that refers to the use of formal and respectful expressions in the Japanese language.
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 使う - Japanese verb that means "to use".
• こと - Japanese noun that indicates an abstract action or event.
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 大切 - Japanese adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
• です - Japanese linking verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence.

「日々心掛けることが大切です。」

Hibi kokorogakeru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to keep in mind every day.

• 日々 - means "every day" or "daily"
• 心掛ける - means "to keep in mind" or "to pay attention to"
• こと - means "thing" or "subject"
• 大切 - means "important" or "valuable"
• です - is a particle that indicates the polite form of the verb "to be"