Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of an 'important matter' in Japanese, ranging from serious affairs and business to personal concerns. The most common and versatile word is 大事 (daiji), but other terms like 重要事項 (jūyō jikō) and 重大事 (jūdaiji) are used in formal or serious contexts.
To refer to something important in a broad sense, often personal or emotional.
The most common and versatile word for 'important matter'. It can refer to anything from personal concerns to serious issues. Often used in the phrase 大事なこと (daiji na koto).
これは大事なことです。
This is an important matter.
家族は私にとって一番大事です。
Family is the most important thing to me.
Similar to 大事, but slightly more emotional or heartfelt. Often used for things you cherish or value deeply.
健康はとても大切なことです。
Health is a very important matter.
To refer to an important matter in a formal, official, or procedural context.
A formal term used in business, legal, and administrative settings. It implies a matter that requires attention or decision.
会議で重要事項を話し合います。
We will discuss important matters at the meeting.
契約書の重要事項を確認してください。
Please check the important matters in the contract.
A somewhat old-fashioned or literary term for an important matter or urgent business. Not commonly used in daily conversation.
To emphasize the seriousness or gravity of a matter, often implying a problem or crisis.
Refers to a serious or grave matter, often with negative consequences. Used in news or formal warnings.
これは国家の重大事です。
This is a matter of national importance.
彼の失言は重大事になった。
His slip of the tongue became a serious matter.
A dramatic way to say 'a serious matter' or 'a crisis'. Often used in storytelling or emotional speech.
A very formal and strong expression for a grave or alarming situation. Used in official statements or serious news.
これは由々しき事態です。
This is a grave matter.
To refer to a matter that is personally important or private, often in contrast to public or trivial things.
A natural way to say 'personal important matter'. 大事 is often used with 個人的な to specify it's private.
個人的な大事な話があるんです。
I have an important personal matter to discuss.
A formal term for personal or private matters. Often used in business when excusing oneself for personal reasons.
私事で恐縮ですが、明日休みます。
I apologize for the personal matter, but I will be off tomorrow.
Both mean 'important' and are often interchangeable. 大事 (daiji) tends to be more objective or practical, while 大切 (taisetsu) carries a nuance of emotional value or preciousness. For 'important matter', 大事なこと is more common in daily speech.
この書類は大事です。
This document is important (practically).
この写真は大切です。
This photo is precious to me.
English 'matter' is often translated as 問題 (mondai, problem) or 事柄 (kotogara, affair), but these can sound unnatural. Stick to the expressions above depending on context. For general use, 大事なこと is safest.
Used in business or project contexts for an important matter or agenda item that needs to be handled.
このプロジェクトは重要案件です。
This project is an important matter.
I'm leaving early due to an important matter.
火事だ！一大事だ！
Fire! It's a serious matter!