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.
This is a weighty issue.
He made a weighty decision.
Means 'important'. Slightly less intense than 重大, but still very common. Often used for tasks, roles, or information.
This is a weighty task.
Literally 'having weight'. Used for words, opinions, or presence that carry authority or significance.
His words are weighty.
Describing a person, argument, or document that carries influence or authority.
Describing an object that is literally heavy in weight.
Describing a responsibility, atmosphere, or silence that feels heavy and oppressive.
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.
彼は大統領選の有力候補だ。
He is a weighty candidate in the presidential election.
責任が彼にのしかかっている。
A weighty responsibility is pressing down on him.