Japanese word

大切

Pronunciation

Romajitaisetsu

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveimportant

Example

時間は大切です。ji kan wa tai setsu de su

Time is important.

Illustration for 大切 (important)

More examples

家族は大切です。ka zoku wa tai setsu de su

Family is important.

家族との時間を大切にしています。ka zoku to no ji kan o tai setsu ni shi te i ma su

I value the time I spend with my family.

Core concept

大切 (taisetsu, "important") describes something regarded as essential because losing or neglecting it would matter greatly.

Common phrases

  • 大切な人tai setsu na hito

    important person

  • 大切なものtai setsu na mo no

    important thing

  • 大切にするtai setsu ni su ru

    value

Similar words

大事daiji: Considered important enough to receive care and attention.
重要jūyō: Important in determining a situation, decision, or result.
貴重kichō: Highly valued because it is rare or difficult to obtain again.
必要hitsuyō: Required for a goal, activity, or situation to work.

Definition in Japanese

必要性や価値が特に高く、十分に重んじるべきさま。hitsu yō sei ya ka chi ga toku ni taka ku jū bun ni omo n ji ru be ki sa ma

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 大切 (taisetsu) combines 大 (tai, "great") with 切 (setsu, "close or urgent"), expressing the idea that something important deserves careful attention.

Usage tips

  • In beginner conversations, 大切 (taisetsu, "important") often describes time, people, and promises, not only useful objects.

Other meanings

  • essentialna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 大切さtaisetsusaimportancenoun

Word lists with this word