Translation guide
The English word 'weighty' can describe physical heaviness, but more often refers to something important, serious, or influential. This guide focuses on natural Japanese expressions for these figurative meanings, as well as literal weight.
Describing a matter, decision, or responsibility that is very important, serious, or carries great significance.
The most direct and common translation for 'weighty' in the sense of serious or important. Used for matters, decisions, problems, etc.
これは重大な問題です。
This is a weighty issue.
彼は重大な決断を下した。
He made a weighty decision.
Means 'important'. Slightly less intense than 重大, but still very common. Often used for tasks, roles, or information.
これは重要な任務です。
This is a weighty task.
Literally 'having weight'. Used for words, opinions, or presence that carry authority or significance.
彼の言葉には重みがある。
His words are weighty.
Describing a person, argument, or document that carries influence or authority.
Means 'influential'. Suitable for people, organizations, or works that have a strong impact.
彼は政界で影響力のある人物だ。
He is a weighty figure in politics.
Means 'prominent' or 'leading'. Often used for candidates, theories, or supporters.
彼は大統領選の有力候補だ。
He is a weighty candidate in the presidential election.
Describing an object that is literally heavy in weight.
The standard word for 'heavy'. Can be used for any physical object.
この箱はとても重い。
This box is very weighty.
Means 'having a sense of weight/heaviness'. Often used in product descriptions or design contexts.
この時計は重量感がある。
This watch has a weighty feel.
Describing a responsibility, atmosphere, or silence that feels heavy and oppressive.
Describes an atmosphere, silence, or feeling that is oppressively heavy.
部屋には重苦しい沈黙が漂っていた。
A weighty silence hung in the room.
A verb meaning 'to weigh heavily on' (emotionally or physically). Used for pressure, responsibility, or anxiety.
重大 (じゅうだい) implies seriousness and often a negative consequence if mishandled, like a 'grave' matter. 重要 (じゅうよう) simply means 'important' and is more neutral. For 'weighty decision', 重大な決断 is better than 重要な決断 because it emphasizes the gravity.
Do not use 重い (おもい) to mean 'important' or 'serious'. 重い only refers to physical weight or, metaphorically, a heavy mood/atmosphere. For 'weighty matter', use 重大な問題, not 重い問題.
責任が彼にのしかかっている。
A weighty responsibility is pressing down on him.