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:
Kiritsu wo mamoru koto wa taisetsu desu
It is important to follow the rules.
It is important to maintain discipline.
- 規律 - It means "rule" or "discipline".
- を - object particle.
- 守る - Verb that means "observe" or "fulfill".
- こと - Noun meaning "thing" or "fact".
- は - topic particle.
- 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
- です - verb that indicates "to be" or "to stay" in a polite form.
Kisoku wo mamoru koto wa taisetsu desu
It is important to follow the rules.
- 規則 - means "rules" in Japanese.
- を - Object particle in Japanese.
- 守る - It means "to keep" or "to fulfill" in Japanese.
- こと - It means "thing" or "fact" in Japanese.
- は - topic particle in Japanese.
- 大切 - means "important" or "valuable" in Japanese.
- です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating an affirmation or a statement.
Oya wa kodomo ni totte taisetsu na sonzai desu
Parents are an important presence in children's lives.
Parents are important to children.
- 親 (oya) - means "father" or "mother" in Japanese
- は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "the parents"
- 子供 (kodomo) - means "child" or "son" in Japanese
- にとって (ni totte) - "to" or "in relation to", in this case, "to the children"
- 大切 (taisetsu) - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
- な (na) - grammatical particle that indicates the adjectival form of the previous term, in this case, "important"
- 存在 (sonzai) - It means "existence" or "presence" in Japanese
- です (desu) - linking verb that indicates the polite and formal way of stating something, in this case, "is"
Kakudo wo hakaru koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to measure the angle.
- 角度 (kakudo) - angle
- を (wo) - object particle
- 測る (hakaru) - measure
- こと (koto) - abstract noun
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 大切 (taisetsu) - important
- です (desu) - Verb to be/estar
Tōgi o suru koto wa taisetsu desu
It is important to discuss.
- 討議 - discussion, debate
- を - direct object particle
- する - to do, to accomplish
- こと - thing, subject
- は - Topic particle
- 大切 - important, valuable
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Hanashi ai wa taisetsu na koto desu
Negotiation is an important thing.
Discussion is important.
- 話し合い (wahashiai) - Discussion, conversation
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
- な (na) - adjectival particle
- こと (koto) - thing, subject
- です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
Tanjoubi wa taisetsu na hi desu
The birthday is an important day.
- 誕生日 (tanjoubi) - birthday
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 大切 (taisetsu) - Important, precious
- な (na) - particle that modifies an adjective
- 日 (hi) - day
- です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
Chōsetsu suru koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to adjust.
- 調節する - adjust, regulate
- こと - noun indicating action or event
- が - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
- 大切 - important, essential
- です - verb to be in the present, indicating courtesy or formality
Kougi wo ukeru koto wa taisetsu desu
It is important to attend classes.
It is important to give a lecture.
- 講義 - lecture, class
- を - direct object particle
- 受ける - receive, watch
- こと - Thing, fact
- は - Topic particle
- 大切 - important, valuable
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Goei wa taisetsu na yakuwari o hatashimasu
Escort plays an important role.
- 護衛 - body guard
- は - Topic particle
- 大切 - important, valuable
- な - Particle indicating adjective
- 役割 - Paper, function
- を - direct object particle
- 果たします - perform, fulfill
Other Words of this Type: Adjective, noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: Adjective, noun
