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:

オートメーションは生産性を向上させるために重要な役割を果たしています。

Ootomeeshon wa seisansei wo koujou saseru tame ni juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu

Automation plays an important role in improving productivity.

Automation plays an important role in improving productivity.

• オートメーション - automation
• は - Topic particle
• 生産性 - Productivity
• を - Direct object particle
• 向上させる - Improve
• ために - For
• 重要な - Important
• 役割 - Paper
• を果たしています - Perform

「文法が正しい文章を書くことは重要です。」

Bunpou ga tadashii bunshou wo kaku koto wa juuyou desu

It is important to write the correct sentence.

• 「文法が正しい文章を書くことは重要です。」
• 「」 - Japanese quotation marks
• 文法 - Word that means "grammar"
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 正しい - adjective meaning "correct"
• 文章 - Noun that means "phrase" or "text"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 書く - Verb meaning "to write"
• こと - noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important"
• です - Verb that indicates the state or condition of the sentence

この掲示はとても重要です。

Kono keiji wa totemo juuyou desu

This board is very important.

This warning is very important.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 掲示 - noun that means "notice" or "advertisement"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この用件は重要ですか？

Kono youken wa juuyou desu ka?

Is this question important?

Is this deal important?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 用件 - noun meaning "matter" or "business"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 重要 - adjective that means "important" or "crucial"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• か - interrogative particle indicating a question
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

この補足は重要です。

Kono hosoku wa juuyou desu

This explanatory note is important.

This supplement is important.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 補足 - noun that means "supplement" or "additional explanation"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 重要 - adjective that means "important" or "crucial"
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative

この調査は重要です。

Kono chōsa wa jūyō desu

This survey is important.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 調査 - noun meaning "investigation", "research" or "survey"
• は - topic particle indicating the main subject of the sentence
• 重要 - adjective that means "important" or "crucial"
• です - verb ser/estar in the polite and formal form

この議案は重要な問題を解決するために必要です。

Kono gi'an wa juuyou na mondai o kaiketsu suru tame ni hitsuyou desu

This proposal is needed to resolve important issues.

This account is needed to resolve important issues.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 議案 - noun meaning "proposal" or "bill"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 重要な - Adjective meaning "important"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 解決する - verb meaning "to resolve"
• ために - expression meaning "for" or "in order to"
• 必要です - adjective meaning "necessary"

この項目は重要です。

Kono koumoku wa juuyou desu

This is an important question.

This item is important.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 項目 - noun that means "item" or "topic"
• は - topical particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this item"
• 重要 - adjective that means "important" or "crucial"
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form

この文書は重要な情報を含んでいます。

Kono bunsho wa juuyou na jouhou wo fukundeimasu

This document contains important information.

This document contains important information.

• この文書 - This documentation
• は - is
• 重要な - important
• 情報 - information
• を - direct object
• 含んでいます - contains

この書類には重要な事項が含まれています。

Kono shorui ni wa juuyou na jikou ga fukumarete imasu

This document contains important matters.

• この書類 - This documentation
• には - have
• 重要な - important
• 事項 - Information
• が - are
• 含まれています - included