Translation and Meaning of: 重要 - jyuuyou

The Japanese word 重要[じゅうよう] is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its meaning goes beyond the simple translation, carrying nuances that reflect the deep values of Japanese society. In this article, we will explore what makes this word so relevant, from its origin to its use in everyday life and in formal contexts.

In addition to understanding what 重要 literally means, we will see how it is perceived by native speakers, its frequency in conversations, and even tips for memorizing it effectively. If you have ever wondered why this word appears so often in animes, dramas, or even in official documents, keep reading to find out.

Meaning and Translation of 重要

The word 重要[じゅうよう] is generally translated as "important" or "essential." However, its meaning in Japanese goes a bit further, indicating something that carries weight, value, or priority in a specific context. It is often used to describe tasks, decisions, or objects that cannot be neglected.

Unlike other words that also mean "important," such as 大切[たいせつ], 重要 has a more objective and practical tone. While 大切 can convey a sense of affection or care, 重要 is more often used in situations that require seriousness, such as in work or strategic discussions.

Origin and Composition of Kanji

The kanji 重要 is composed of two characters: 重[じゅう], which means "heavy" or "important," and 要[よう], which can be translated as "necessary" or "essential." Together, they convey the idea of something that has significant weight and cannot be ignored. This combination reflects well the usage of the word in modern Japanese.

It's worth noting that 重 also appears in other words related to importance, such as 重大[じゅうだい] (grave, serious) and 重視[じゅうし] (to give importance). On the other hand, 要 is a versatile kanji, found in terms like 要点[ようてん] (main point) and 必要[ひつよう] (necessary). Understanding these components helps to memorize the meaning of 重要 more easily.

Cultural Usage and Frequency in Daily Life

In Japan, 重要 is a word that frequently appears in professional and educational settings. Companies use it to highlight priority goals, while schools employ it to emphasize essential content. Its presence in manuals, contracts, and official communications shows its significance in formal language.

Outside the workplace, 重要 also comes up in discussions about health, safety, and family planning. For example, phrases like "これは重要な問題です" (This is an important issue) are common in news reports and public debates. This broad application makes the word one of the most useful for those who want to communicate accurately in Japanese.

Tips for Memorizing and Using Correctly

An effective way to reinforce 重要 is to associate it with concrete situations where something is truly indispensable. Think of phrases like "この書類は重要です" (This document is important) or "重要な会議があります" (There is an important meeting). Repeating these examples out loud helps to internalize the term.

Another tip is to observe the use of 重要 in authentic materials, such as newspapers, podcasts, or Japanese series. Often, the context in which the word appears reveals nuances that dictionaries do not fully explain. Over time, you will begin to notice when and how to use it naturally.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 重大 (juudai) - Very serious, of great importance or magnitude.
• 大切 (taisetsu) - Important, valuable; emphasizes the care or consideration we must have.
• 重要性のある (juuyousei no aru) - What is important; used to describe something that is essential or significant.
• 要するに (yosuru ni) - In summary; used to simplify or summarize information, emphasizing the essential.
• 要件 (youken) - Requirement, a necessary condition; highlights the need to achieve a goal.
• 要点 (youten) - Main point; refers to the most important or central parts of a discussion.

重要

Romaji: jyuuyou
Kana: じゅうよう
Type: Noun, adjective
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: important; significant; fundamental; main; big

Meaning in English: important;momentous;essential;principal;major

Definition: It's important.

Example Sentences - (重要) jyuuyou

See below some example sentences:

制定することは重要です。

Seitei suru koto wa juuyou desu

It is important to establish policies.

It is important to establish.

• 制定すること - It means "establish" or "create a policy/law/regulation".
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 重要です - It means "it is important".

削減は環境保護のために重要です。

Sakugen wa kankyō hogo no tame ni jūyō desu

Reduction is important for environmental protection.

The reduction is important for environmental protection.

• 削減 - reduction
• は - Topic particle
• 環境保護 - environmental protection
• のために - for
• 重要 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

前提を明確にすることが重要です。

Zentei wo meikaku ni suru koto ga juuyou desu

It is important to leave the premises clear.

It is important to clarify the premise.

• 前提 (zentai) - means "premise" or "assumption".
• を (wo) - object particle.
• 明確 (meikaku) - It means "clear" or "precise".
• にする (ni suru) - expression that means "to become".
• こと (koto) - abstract noun that indicates an action or event.
• が (ga) - Subject particle.
• 重要 (juuyou) - It means "important" or "crucial."
• です (desu) - polite way to be.

加工は製品の品質を向上させるために重要です。

Kakou wa seihin no hinshitsu wo koujou saseru tame ni juuyou desu

Processing is important to improve product quality.

• 加工 - manufacturing or processing process
• は - Topic particle
• 製品 - product
• の - Possessive particle
• 品質 - quality
• を - direct object particle
• 向上 - improvement, enhancement
• させる - causative verb for "to make better"
• ために - for, for the purpose of
• 重要 - important
• です - verb to be, polite form

動詞は日本語の文法で重要な役割を果たします。

Doushi wa nihongo no bunpou de juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashimasu

The verb plays an important role in Japanese grammar.

• 動詞 (doushi) - verb
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 日本語 (nihongo) - Japanese language
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 文法 (bunpou) - grammar
• で (de) - Location particle
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 役割 (yakuwari) - role/function
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 果たします (hatashimasu) - perform/fulfill

区別する能力は重要です。

Kubetsu suru nouryoku wa juuyou desu

The ability to distinguish is important.

• 区別する - Verb meaning "to distinguish" or "to differentiate".
• 能力 - Noun meaning "ability" or "capacity".
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "ability to distinguish".
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important" or "crucial".
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates a polite or respectful way of expressing oneself in Japanese.

医学は人々の健康を守るために重要な学問です。

Igaku wa hitobito no kenkō o mamoru tame ni jūyōna gakumon desu

Medicine is an important study to protect people's health.

• 医学 - medicine
• は - Topic particle
• 人々 - people
• の - Possessive particle
• 健康 - health
• を - direct object particle
• 守る - protect
• ために - for
• 重要な - important
• 学問 - academic discipline
• です - Verb to be/estar

原典は古代の重要な文書です。

Genten wa kodai no juuyou na bunsho desu

The original is an important document from ancient times.

• 原典 (genten) - means "original text" or "primary source" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 古代 (kodai) - It means "ancient" or "primitive" in Japanese.
• の (no) - Possession particle in Japanese
• 重要な (juuyouna) - means "important" in Japanese, followed by the adjective particle な (na)
• 文書 (bunsho) - It means "document" or "written" in Japanese.
• です (desu) - polite way to be/act in Japanese

原理を理解することが重要です。

Genri wo rikai suru koto ga juuyou desu

It is important to understand the principles.

It is important to understand the principle.

• 原理 (genri) - principle, theory
• を (wo) - object particle
• 理解する (rikai suru) - understand
• こと (koto) - verb noun
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

取り引きはビジネスにとって重要な要素です。

Torihiki wa bijinesu ni totte juuyou na youso desu

Negotiation is an important element of business.

Negotiation is an important factor for business.

• 取り引き - negotiation, transaction
• は - Topic particle
• ビジネス - business
• にとって - for, in relation to
• 重要 - important
• な - adjective particle
• 要素 - element
• です - verb to be, affirmative present