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:

比重は物質の密度を表す重要な指標です。

Bijū wa busshitsu no mitsudo o hyōsu jūyōna shihyōdesu

Specific gravity is an important indicator that represents the density of the substance.

• 比重 (hijū) - relative density
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 物質 (busshitsu) - substance
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 密度 (mitsudo) - density
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 表す (arawasu) - Expressar, representar
• 重要な (jūyōna) - important
• 指標 (shihyō) - indicator
• です (desu) - be (linking verb)

法学を学ぶことは社会に貢献するために重要です。

Hougaku wo manabu koto wa shakai ni kouken suru tame ni juuyou desu

The apprenticeship law is important to contribute to society.

• 法学 - study of law
• 学ぶ - learn
• こと - thing
• 社会 - society
• 貢献 - contribution
• する - make
• ために - for
• 重要 - important
• です - is

海運は国際貿易にとって重要な役割を果たしています。

Kaiun wa kokusai bōeki ni totte jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu

Maritime transport plays an important role in international trade.

The transport of water plays an important role in international trade.

• 海運 (kaigun) - Maritime transport
• 国際貿易 (kokusai boueki) - international trade
• にとって (ni totte) - for
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 役割 (yakuwari) - role/function
• を果たしています (o hatashite imasu) - performs

漢字は日本語の重要な要素です。

Kanji wa nihongo no juuyou na youso desu

Kanji is an important factor in Japanese.

• 漢字 - Kanji (Chinese characters used in Japanese writing)
• は - Topic particle
• 日本語 - Japanese language
• の - Possessive particle
• 重要な - Important
• 要素 - Element
• です - Verb to be in the polite form

異見を尊重することは重要です。

Iken wo sonchou suru koto wa juuyou desu

It is important to respect different opinions.

It is important to respect discrimination.

• 異見 (imiken) - different opinions
• を (wo) - object particle
• 尊重する (sonchou suru) - to respect
• こと (koto) - abstract noun
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

直ちに行動することが重要です。

Chokkani kōdō suru koto ga jūyō desu

It is important to act immediately.

• 直ちに - immediately
• 行動する - act, take action
• こと - abstract noun
• が - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 重要 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

眼球は人間の重要な器官です。

Gankyū wa ningen no jūyōna kikan desu

Eye is an important human organ.

• 眼球 (gankyuu) - Eye
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人間 (ningen) - Human
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 重要な (juuyouna) - important
• 器官 (kikan) - organ
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

真相を知ることは重要です。

Shinsou wo shiru koto wa juuyou desu

It is important to know the truth.

• 真相 - means "truth" or "reality".
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action.
• 知る - verb meaning "to know" or "to be acquainted with."
• こと - noun that indicates action or event.
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important" or "crucial".
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and respectful way of speaking.

睡眠は健康にとって非常に重要です。

Suimin wa kenkou ni totte hijou ni juuyou desu

Sleep is very important for your health.

• 睡眠 (suimin) - I am, I am deep, to sleep
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 健康 (kenkou) - health, state of health
• にとって (ni totte) - for, in relation to
• 非常に (hijou ni) - extremely, very
• 重要 (juuyou) - important, essential
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense

石油はエネルギー源として重要です。

Sekiyu wa enerugī gen to shite jūyō desu

Oil is important as a source of energy.

• 石油 (sekiyu) - oil
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• エネルギー (enerugii) - energy
• 源 (gen) - Source
• として (toshite) - how
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present