Translation guide
The concept of importance in Japanese is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and set phrases that convey value, significance, or priority. The most common and versatile word is 重要 (じゅうよう), but other terms like 大切 (たいせつ) and 大事 (だいじ) carry emotional weight, while 重要性 (じゅうようせい) is used for abstract discussions. This guide organizes expressions by nuance: general importance, personal value, urgency, and formal significance.
Expressing that something is important in a neutral, factual, or objective sense, such as in work, studies, or news.
The most common and versatile word for 'important' in formal and everyday contexts. Used for matters, tasks, information, etc. It is a na-adjective.
これは重要な問題です。
This is an important issue.
重要な書類をなくしました。
I lost an important document.
Important with a nuance of personal value or care. Often used for things you cherish, like family, friends, or memories. Also a na-adjective.
Similar to 大切, but slightly more colloquial. Often used in spoken Japanese to mean 'important' or 'precious'. Also a na-adjective.
Referring to the quality or state of being important, often in discussions, essays, or formal analysis.
A noun meaning 'importance' as a concept. Used in formal or academic contexts to discuss the significance of something.
この問題の重要性を理解してください。
Please understand the importance of this issue.
教育の重要性は誰もが認めている。
Everyone recognizes the importance of education.
The noun form of 大切, emphasizing personal or emotional importance. Less formal than 重要性.
友達の大切さを改めて感じた。
I realized once again the importance of friends.
Stressing that something is crucial, essential, or cannot be ignored, often with a sense of priority.
Means 'essential' or 'crucial'. Often used to point out the most important part of something. A na-adjective.
肝心なのは、あきらめないことだ。
The crucial thing is not to give up.
肝心の書類を忘れてしまった。
I forgot the crucial document.
Means 'indispensable' or 'mandatory'. Often used for requirements, items, or conditions that are absolutely necessary.
Using common expressions to highlight that something matters a lot.
Literally 'more than anything', used to stress that something is the most important.
何よりも健康が大切です。
Health is more important than anything.
A common way to say 'the most important thing is...'.
一番大切なのは、正直でいることです。
The most important thing is to be honest.
重要 is objective and formal, used for matters of public or professional concern. 大切 and 大事 both imply personal value, but 大事 is slightly more casual and often used in speech. 大切 can sound more emotional. In many situations they are interchangeable, but 重要 would be odd for personal relationships.
この書類は重要です。
This document is important (officially).
この写真は私にとって大切です。
This photo is important to me (personally).
大事な友達だから助けたい。
Because they are an important friend, I want to help.
Using 重要 for personal feelings or relationships can sound cold or overly formal. Stick to 大切 or 大事 when talking about people, memories, or personal values.
この発見の重要性はいくら強調してもしすぎることはない。
The importance of this discovery cannot be overstated.
時間を守ることは大切です。
It's important to be on time.
人生で一番大切なものは何ですか？
What's the most important thing in life?
家族が一番大切です。
Family is the most important.
これは私にとって大切な本です。
This is an important book to me.
Health is the most important thing.
大事な話があるんだ。
I have something important to tell you.
Experience is essential for this job.