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:

早速行動することが大切です。

Sassoku koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It's important to act quickly.

It is important to act immediately.

• 早速 - means "immediately" or "right away."
• 行動 - means "action" or "behavior".
• する - is a verb that means "to do."
• こと - It is a particle that indicates that the previous verb is a noun, transforming "to do" into "to do something".
• が - It is a particle that indicates that the previous word is the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です - It is a particle that indicates that the sentence is an affirmative and formal statement.

書き取ることは大切です。

Kakitoru koto wa taisetsu desu

Writing is important.

• 書き取る - verb that means "to write" or "to note"
• こと - noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
• は - particle that indicates the theme of the sentence, in this case "to write" or "to note"
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• です - linking verb that indicates the present tense and the formality of the sentence

最初の一歩は大切です。

Saisho no ippo wa taisetsu desu

The first step is important.

• 最初の一歩 - First step
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

本人は自分自身を知ることが大切だ。

Honjin wa jibun jishin o shiru koto ga taisetsu da

It is important for a person to know themselves.

It is important for a person to know themselves.

• 本人 - means "myself" or "the person herself/himself".
• は - topic particle, which indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 自分自身 - means "oneself" or "the person themselves."
• を - direct object particle, which indicates the object of the action.
• 知る - verb that means "to know" or "to be aware".
• こと - noun that indicates an action or a fact.
• が - subject particle, which indicates who performs the action.
• 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
• だ - verb that indicates existence or identity.

本質を見極めることが大切です。

Honshitsu wo mikiwameru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to discern the essence of things.

It is important to determine the essence.

• 本質 - means "essence" in Japanese.
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action.
• 見極める - verb meaning "to discern" or "to distinguish" in Japanese.
• こと - noun meaning "thing" or "fact" in Japanese.
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - adjective meaning "important" or "valuable" in Japanese.
• です - verb that indicates the current state of the sentence, equivalent to the verb "ser" in Portuguese.

正しく行動することが大切です。

Tadashiku koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to act correctly.

• 正しく - adverb meaning "correctly"
• 行動する - verb that means "to act, to behave"
• こと - noun that means "thing, fact"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important, valuable"
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of speech

殊に大切なことは家族との絆です。

Shu ni taisetsu na koto wa kazoku to no kizuna desu

The most important thing is the bond with the family.

• 殊に - Especially
• 大切な - important
• ことは - the thing is
• 家族 - family
• との - with
• 絆 - ties
• です - is

歯を磨くことは大切です。

Ha wo migaku koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to brush your teeth.

• 歯を磨くこと - the action of brushing the teeth
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - verb to be in the polite form

気付くことが大切です。

Kizuku koto ga taisetsu desu

It's important to realize.

It is important to note.

• 気付く - A verb that means "perceive" or "notice".
• こと - noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or respectful form of the sentence

水平を保つことが大切です。

Suhei wo tamotsu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to maintain horizontality.

It is important to keep it horizontal.

• 水平 - horizontal
• を - particle indicating the object of an action
• 保つ - to maintain
• こと - nominalizer indicating a thing or concept
• が - partícula que indica o sujeito de uma frase
• 大切 - importante
• です - copula que indica polidez