Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Important" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "important", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
大切な
たいせつな (taisetsuna)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
重要
じゅうよう (jūyō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "important" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 大切な and 重要.
In Japanese, 大切な (たいせつな (taisetsuna)) is typically associated with "important, precious" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used for things, people, or concepts that are highly valued and important. 「な」adjective..
On the other hand, 重要 (じゅうよう (jūyō)) maps to "important; significant; major; crucial" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to things that are of great importance, consequence, value, or crucial significance. Often used as 重要な決定 or 重要事項. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Important! "The most important decision in my life was choosing to princess-carry you, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To call that important! B-Baka! Of course it is! Since you took charge of my life, make sure you prioritize my happiness as your most crucial mission forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『じゅうよう（重要）よ！『僕の人生の全ての決定の中で、ハルカさんをお姫様抱っこした瞬間が一番重要で正しい決定でした！』って…っ！そんなの重要に決まってるでしょバカ！/// これからも、私を笑顔にする最重要の愛の任務を、一生サボらずに全力で全うし続けなさいよね！』. A literal translation of "important" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "大切な"
これは私にとって大切な思い出です。
This is a precious memory for me.
Bilingual Context for "重要"
新しいビジネスモデルの成否を決定づける最も_______な要素は、市場の潜在顧客のニーズを正確に把握することです。
The most important element that decides the success or failure of the new business model is accurately grasping the needs of potential customers in the market.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "これは私にとって ＿＿＿ 思い出です。" (Meaning: "This is a precious memory for me.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "大切な" fits here because it means "important, precious" in the context of: "This is a precious memory for me.". "重要" represents "important; significant; major; crucial".