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.
This is an important issue.
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.
Stressing that something is crucial, essential, or cannot be ignored, often with a sense of priority.
Using common expressions to highlight that something matters a lot.
Literally 'more than anything', used to stress that something is the most important.
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.
This document is important (officially).
The importance of this discovery cannot be overstated.
I lost an important document.
家族が一番大切です。
Family is the most important.
This is an important book to me.
Health is the most important thing.
I have something important to tell you.
A noun meaning 'importance' as a concept. Used in formal or academic contexts to discuss the significance of something.
Please understand the importance of this issue.
Everyone recognizes the importance of education.
The noun form of 大切, emphasizing personal or emotional importance. Less formal than 重要性.
I realized once again the importance of friends.
Means 'essential' or 'crucial'. Often used to point out the most important part of something. A na-adjective.
The crucial thing is not to give up.
I forgot the crucial document.
Means 'indispensable' or 'mandatory'. Often used for requirements, items, or conditions that are absolutely necessary.
Experience is essential for this job.
Health is more important than anything.
A common way to say 'the most important thing is...'.
The most important thing is to be honest.
この写真は私にとって大切です。
This photo is important to me (personally).
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.
時間を守ることは大切です。
It's important to be on time.
What's the most important thing in life?