Translation guide
The English word 'significant' can mean 'important', 'large in amount/effect', or 'meaningful'. This guide helps learners choose natural Japanese expressions for each nuance.
Expressing that something is important, notable, or has a major impact.
The most common and neutral word for 'important' or 'significant'. Used for matters, decisions, roles, etc.
これは重要な問題です。
This is a significant issue.
彼は重要な役割を果たした。
He played a significant role.
Means 'profoundly meaningful' or 'significant' in a deeper, often emotional or philosophical sense. Used for experiences, words, events.
彼の言葉はとても意義深かった。
His words were very significant.
Often used for serious, grave, or weighty matters, such as crimes, problems, or responsibilities. Slightly more formal.
重大な決断を迫られている。
We are facing a significant decision.
Describing a considerable, noticeable, or substantial quantity, change, or influence.
A common, slightly casual way to say 'considerable' or 'significant' amount/degree. Used before nouns.
かなりの数の人が集まった。
A significant number of people gathered.
かなりの進歩があった。
There has been significant progress.
Means 'remarkable', 'striking', or 'significant' (often positive change or improvement). Slightly formal/written.
著しい成長を遂げた。
It achieved significant growth.
Means 'considerable', 'substantial', or 'fairly large'. Used for amounts, effort, damage, etc.
相当な努力が必要だ。
Significant effort is required.
Literally 'big', but often used naturally for 'significant' impact, difference, change, etc.
Used in scientific or technical contexts to indicate that a result is unlikely due to chance.
The standard technical term for 'statistically significant'.
その差は統計的に有意ではなかった。
The difference was not statistically significant.
Conveying a hidden or special meaning, often through a look, gesture, or silence.
Describes a look, smile, or remark that seems to carry a hidden meaning. 'Suggestive', 'meaningful'.
彼女は意味ありげな笑みを浮かべた。
She gave a significant smile.
More formal/literary way to say 'pregnant with meaning', 'profoundly significant'.
彼の沈黙は意味深長だった。
His silence was significant.
重要 is the safest for 'important/significant' in general contexts. 重大 is for serious/grave matters. かなりの is for 'considerable' amounts or degrees, not for importance.
The loanword シグニフィカント exists but is rarely used outside very technical or academic contexts. It can sound unnatural in everyday speech.
大きな影響を与えた。
It had a significant influence.