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

危ない

abunai

Dangerous; critical; serious; incerto; unreliable; limping; narrow; close; careful!

咄嗟

tosa

time; instantaneous

伝える

tsutaeru

to transmit; report; to communicate; tell; to transmit; to transmit; propagate; to teach; bequeath

付き合う

tsukiau

associate with; keep company; to continue

保つ

tamotsu

maintain; preserve; sustain; retain; keep; support; uphold; last; endure; keep well (food); wear out

貴い

tattoi

precious; valuable; invaluable; noble; exalted; sacred

大した

taishita

considerable; big; important; significant; a big deal

重大

jyuudai

important; heavy

重宝

jyuuhou

priceless treasure; convenience; utility

重要

jyuuyou

important; significant; fundamental; main; big

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.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

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:

責任を果たすことが大切です。

Sekinin wo hatasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to fulfill responsibility.

It is important to fulfill your responsibilities.

  • 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
  • を (wo) - direct object particle
  • 果たす (hatasu) - fulfill, carry out
  • こと (koto) - abstract noun
  • が (ga) - subject particle
  • 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
  • です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form
財産を守ることは大切です。

Zaisan wo mamoru koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to protect your property.

  • 財産 - property, material goods
  • を - Particle that indicates the object of the action
  • 守る - protect, guard
  • こと - abstract noun indicating action or event
  • は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
  • 大切 - important, valuable
  • です - Verb to be/estar in the present
貸しは大切な責任です。

Kashi wa taisetsu na sekinin desu

Loans is an important responsibility.

  • 貸し - noun that means "loan"
  • は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, indicating that the subject in question is the "loan"
  • 大切 - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
  • な - particle that functions as an adjective, indicating that the "loan" is "important"
  • 責任 - noun meaning "responsibility"
  • です - verb "to be" in the present, indicating that the "loan" is an "important responsibility"
貯蓄は将来のための大切な資産です。

Chochiku wa shourai no tame no taisetsu na shisan desu

Saving is an important asset for the future.

  • 貯蓄 - Savings
  • は - Topic particle
  • 将来 - future
  • のため - for
  • 大切 - important
  • な - adjective particle
  • 資産 - asset, equity
  • です - Verb to be/estar in the present
責務を果たすことが大切です。

Sekimu wo hatasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to fulfill your responsibilities.

It is important to fulfill your responsibilities.

  • 責務 - responsibility
  • を - object particle
  • 果たす - fulfill
  • こと - abstract noun
  • が - subject particle
  • 大切 - important
  • です - verb ser (polite form)
資源は大切なものです。

Shigen wa taisetsu na mono desu

Resources are important things.

Resources are important.

  • 資源 (shigen) - natural resources
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 大切な (taisetsu na) - important, valuable
  • もの (mono) - thing, object
  • です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
質素な生活を送ることが大切だ。

Shisso na seikatsu wo okuru koto ga taisetsu da

It is important to live a simple life.

  • 質素な - adjective meaning "simple", "modest"
  • 生活 - noun meaning "life", "way of life"
  • を - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
  • 送る - verb that means "to send"
  • こと - noun meaning "thing", "fact"
  • が - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
  • 大切 - adjective meaning "important", "valuable"
  • だ - auxiliary verb indicating the affirmative form of the sentence
賢明な判断をすることが大切です。

Kenmei na handan wo suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to make wise decisions.

It is important to make a wise judgment.

  • 賢明な - wise, prudent
  • 判断をする - make decisions, judge
  • ことが - is important
  • 大切です - It's crucial, it's essential
進み続けることが大切です。

Susumi tsuzukeru koto ga taisetsu desu

It's important to keep moving forward.

It's important to keep going.

  • 進み続ける - continuous progress
  • こと - abstract noun
  • が - subject particle
  • 大切 - important, valuable
  • です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Anterior

Other Words of this Type: Adjective, noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: Adjective, noun

几帳面

kichoumen

methodical; one-off; stable

既に

sudeni

already; too late

先に

sakini

before; earlier than; forward; in addition; outside; previously; recently

微か

kasuka

weak; opaque; fragile; indistinct; foggy; poor; miserable

真っ暗

makkura

Total Darkness; Shorthestitia; dark pitch

大切