Translation guide
The English word "important" can be expressed in Japanese through several adjectives and phrases, each with different nuances. The most common and versatile word is 大切 (taisetsu), which conveys personal value and emotional significance. 重要 (jūyō) is used for objective, formal, or systemic importance. Other options like 大事 (daiji) are more casual, while 肝心 (kanjin) and 肝要 (kan'yō) emphasize essentiality. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on context.
Use when something is cherished, precious, or holds personal meaning.
The most common and versatile word for 'important' in the sense of personal value, emotional attachment, or care. It can describe people, objects, time, memories, etc.
My family is very important to me.
This letter is my precious treasure.
Similar to 大切 but slightly more casual and often used in spoken Japanese. It can also mean 'serious' or 'grave' in certain contexts.
Friends are important.
This is an important matter, so listen carefully.
Use when referring to matters of formal, systemic, or objective importance, such as in business, academics, or official contexts.
The standard word for 'important' in formal, written, or objective contexts. It implies significance, weight, or necessity. Often used in compound nouns like 重要書類 (important documents).
This meeting is very important.
Means 'serious' or 'grave', often used for important matters with potentially severe consequences, like accidents, decisions, or news.
Use when something is indispensable, key, or critical for a particular outcome.
Means 'essential' or 'vital', emphasizing that something is the most important part or key point. Often used in the phrase 肝心な時に (at the crucial moment).
The crucial point for success is effort.
Similar to 肝心 but more formal and somewhat literary. Means 'essential' or 'of vital importance'.
Use when something is notable, significant, or deserves focus.
Means 'noteworthy' or 'important to pay attention to'. It is a phrase combining 注目 (attention) and すべき (should do).
This is an important discovery.
Means 'meaningful' or 'significant', often used for experiences, discussions, or activities that have value.
大切 (taisetsu) is subjective and emotional, used for personal value. 重要 (jūyō) is objective and formal, used for systemic or official importance. 大事 (daiji) is casual and often interchangeable with 大切, but can also mean 'serious' (大事な話). In many everyday situations, 大切 and 大事 are both acceptable, but 重要 would sound too stiff for personal matters.
This photo is important to me. (personal value)
This document is important. (official/formal)
Health is the most important thing. (casual)
Using 重要 for personal relationships or feelings can sound cold or overly formal. Stick to 大切 or 大事 when talking about people, memories, or personal values.
It's important to be on time.
This is an important decision.
You are important to me.
Environmental protection is an important issue.
重大な発表があります。
There is an important announcement.
This is a serious problem.
He wasn't there at the crucial moment.
計画を立てることが肝要です。
It is essential to make a plan.
有意義な時間を過ごしました。
I spent a meaningful time.