expression, noun
special person; precious one; significant other
A warm, emotionally charged phrase for someone deeply valued, often a romantic partner or a very close family member or friend. Not used for casual acquaintances.
彼は私にとって一番大切な人です。
He is the most precious person to me.
大切な人を失うのはとても辛い。
Losing a loved one is very painful.
大事な人 is very similar but can sound slightly more practical or less emotionally intense than 大切な人, which carries a stronger nuance of personal affection.
A common phrase combining 大切 (important, precious) and 人 (person). The expression is straightforward and modern, with no special historical derivation.