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.
家族は私にとってとても大切です。
My family is very important to me.
この手紙は私の大切な宝物です。
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.
友達は大事だよ。
Friends are important.
これは大事な話だから、よく聞いて。
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).
この会議はとても重要です。
This meeting is very important.
環境保護は重要な課題です。
Environmental protection is an important issue.
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).
成功の肝心な点は努力です。
The crucial point for success is effort.
肝心な時に彼はいなかった。
He wasn't there at the crucial moment.
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).
これは注目すべき発見です。
This is an important discovery.
Means 'meaningful' or 'significant', often used for experiences, discussions, or activities that have value.
有意義な時間を過ごしました。
I spent a meaningful time.
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.
この写真は私にとって大切です。
This photo is important to me. (personal value)
この書類は重要です。
This document is important. (official/formal)
健康が一番大事だよ。
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.
時間を守ることは大切です。
It's important to be on time.
これは重要な決定です。
This is an important decision.
あなたは私にとって大切な人です。
You are important to me.
重大な発表があります。
There is an important announcement.
これは重大な問題だ。
This is a serious problem.
計画を立てることが肝要です。
It is essential to make a plan.