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A2 adjective #1,500 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

大事

daiji Top 1,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 大事 en 30 secondes

Explication 大事 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic and practical applications of the word. The primary focus is on recognizing the word in simple, everyday phrases. The most critical phrase for an A1 learner to memorize is 'Odaiji ni' (お大事に), which means 'Please take care of yourself' or 'Get well soon'. This phrase is universally used when someone is sick, sneezing, or leaving a clinic. A1 learners do not need to worry about complex grammar rules yet; simply understanding that 'daiji' relates to 'important' or 'care' is sufficient. They might also encounter it in very simple sentences like 'Kore wa daiji desu' (This is important). The goal at this stage is phonetic recognition and associating the word with the concept of value or health. Teachers will often use this word to point out important parts of a lesson, saying 'Koko, daiji desu yo' (This part is important!). By mastering these basic auditory cues, A1 learners build a foundation for more complex grammatical structures later on. They should practice saying 'Odaiji ni' with a polite and empathetic tone, as it is a cornerstone of basic Japanese social etiquette.

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At the A2 level, learners begin to actively use the word as a na-adjective to modify nouns and construct more descriptive sentences. This is a crucial step in expanding expressive capability. Learners must master the structure '[Noun] wa daiji desu' (Noun is important) and 'daiji na [Noun]' (an important noun). For example, they should be able to comfortably say 'Kazoku wa daiji desu' (Family is important) or 'Kore wa daiji na hon desu' (This is an important book). At this stage, the distinction between i-adjectives and na-adjectives is heavily emphasized, and 'daiji' serves as a primary example of a na-adjective. Learners also begin to use basic adverbs of degree with the word, such as 'totemo daiji' (very important) or 'amari daiji ja nai' (not very important). Furthermore, A2 learners are introduced to the verb phrase 'daiji ni suru' (to take care of / to treasure). They learn to apply this to physical objects and people, such as 'Tomodachi o daiji ni suru' (I treasure my friends). This level focuses on building practical, conversational fluency around expressing personal values and priorities.

At the B1 level, the usage of the word expands into more abstract and nuanced territories. Learners are expected to understand and articulate the importance of intangible concepts like time, health, promises, and relationships. The grammar becomes more complex, incorporating conditional forms and explanatory structures. For instance, a B1 learner might say, 'Kenkou ga ichiban daiji dakara, mainichi undou shite imasu' (Because health is the most important thing, I exercise every day). They also become comfortable with the adverbial form 'daiji ni', using it to modify verbs in sentences like 'Jikan o daiji ni tsukatte kudasai' (Please use your time carefully). At this intermediate stage, learners begin to differentiate between 'daiji' and its close synonyms, particularly 'taisetsu' (precious) and 'juuyou' (important/essential). They learn that while 'daiji' is versatile and common in daily conversation, 'juuyou' is more appropriate for formal or objective contexts. The ability to choose the correct word based on the social context and the desired emotional nuance is a key marker of B1 proficiency. They also encounter the word used as a noun, meaning 'a serious matter'.

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At the B2 level, learners wield the word with a high degree of naturalness and cultural appropriateness. They can engage in complex discussions about societal values, personal philosophies, and professional priorities, using the word to articulate detailed arguments. The focus shifts towards idiomatic expressions and compound words. For example, they might use phrases like 'Daiji o toru' (to play it safe / to take precautions) in situations where risk management is discussed. B2 learners are highly sensitive to the register and tone of their speech. They know exactly when to use 'daiji' to build rapport and express empathy, and when to switch to 'juuyou' in a formal business presentation or academic paper. They can comprehend native-level media, such as news broadcasts or dramas, where the word is used in fast-paced, emotionally charged dialogue. Furthermore, they can effortlessly use the negative and past tense forms in complex clauses, such as 'Sore ga daiji dewa nai to wa iwanai ga...' (I'm not saying that it isn't important, but...). At this level, the word is fully integrated into their active vocabulary, allowing for sophisticated and nuanced expression.

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At the C1 level, the learner's understanding of the word is near-native, characterized by a deep appreciation of its etymology, cultural resonance, and subtle pragmatic functions. C1 users can analyze the kanji (大事) and understand how the literal meaning of 'big matter' influences its modern usage. They are adept at using the word in highly formal, literary, or specialized contexts. They understand the subtle irony or understatement that can sometimes accompany the word in specific social situations. For instance, they recognize the nuance when someone describes a massive crisis simply as a 'daiji' (a serious matter), understanding the cultural tendency towards understatement. They are also familiar with less common readings and related terms, such as 'oogoto' (a major incident), which uses the same kanji but carries a different nuance of trouble or escalation. C1 learners can effortlessly navigate conversations where multiple synonyms for 'important' are used interchangeably yet distinctly, demonstrating a masterful command of Japanese vocabulary. They can write persuasive essays or deliver professional speeches where the concept of importance is woven seamlessly into complex rhetorical structures.

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At the C2 level, mastery of the word is absolute. The learner possesses an intuitive, almost instinctive grasp of its every nuance, historical context, and literary application. They can engage with classical texts or highly stylized modern literature where the word might be used in archaic or poetic ways. C2 users understand the profound philosophical implications of 'daiji' within Japanese culture—how it reflects societal values regarding harmony, respect for objects (animism influences), and the prioritization of the collective good. They can effortlessly manipulate the word in complex wordplay, puns, or rhetorical devices. Their usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. They can critique the usage of the word in media or political discourse, analyzing how speakers use 'daiji' to manipulate emotional responses or frame arguments. At this pinnacle of proficiency, the word is not merely a tool for communication, but a subject of linguistic and cultural analysis. The C2 learner appreciates the elegant simplicity of 'daiji' and its profound capacity to express the core values of the human experience within the Japanese linguistic framework.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

大事 en 30 secondes

Means 'important', 'valuable', or 'serious'.
Used as a na-adjective (大事な本 - important book).
Used as a verb phrase (大事にする - to take care of).
Used to say 'Get well soon' (お大事に - Odaiji ni).

The Japanese word 大事 (daiji) is a fundamental vocabulary item that learners encounter early in their studies, typically around the CEFR A2 level. At its core, it conveys the concept of something being important, valuable, or serious. To truly grasp its meaning, we must first examine the kanji characters that compose it. The first character, 大 (dai or oo), means 'big' or 'large'. The second character, 事 (ji or koto), translates to 'thing', 'matter', or 'incident'. When combined, they literally form the idea of a 'big thing' or a 'major matter', which naturally extends to the concept of importance.

Etymological Breakdown: The combination of 'big' and 'matter' reflects a universal linguistic tendency to associate size with significance. In Japanese, this is formalized into a versatile word that functions as both a na-adjective and a noun.

Understanding this dual function is crucial for mastering its application in daily conversation. As a na-adjective, it is used to describe nouns, indicating that the modified noun is of high value or importance to the speaker.

これは私にとって大事な本です。

In this example, the word modifies 'book' (hon), elevating its status from a mere object to a treasured possession. This usage is ubiquitous in Japanese society, where expressing the value of relationships, objects, and concepts is a key aspect of polite and empathetic communication. Beyond physical objects, the word is frequently applied to abstract concepts such as time, health, and relationships.

家族が一番大事です。

Here, the importance of family is emphasized. The word carries a warm, subjective nuance, often implying emotional attachment or personal significance, which distinguishes it from more objective terms like 重要 (juuyou).

Subjective vs Objective Importance: While 'juuyou' is used for objective, factual importance (like a crucial document), 'daiji' is preferred when personal feelings, care, or emotional value are involved.

Furthermore, the word can function as a noun meaning 'a serious matter' or 'a crisis'. In historical or dramatic contexts, you might hear it used to describe a major incident that threatens the stability of a situation.

国家の大事に関わる問題だ。

This highlights the versatility of the vocabulary. It scales from the intimate and personal to the grand and societal. Another incredibly common usage is in the set phrase used when someone is ill.

お大事に。

This phrase, literally translating to 'please treat yourself as important', is the standard Japanese equivalent of 'get well soon'. It perfectly encapsulates the cultural ethos of care and respect.

Cultural Context of Care: The phrase 'Odaiji ni' is a prime example of how Japanese language weaves the concept of 'importance' into everyday empathy and social harmony.

In summary, this word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a lens through which we can view Japanese values regarding care, significance, and the prioritization of both material and immaterial aspects of life.

時間を大事に使う。

By mastering its various forms and nuances, learners unlock a vital tool for expressing their priorities and demonstrating empathy in Japanese.

Using 大事 (daiji) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility and the specific contexts in which it thrives. As a na-adjective, its primary function is to modify nouns. The syntactic structure is straightforward: [Noun A] wa [Noun B] ni totte daiji desu (Noun A is important to Noun B).

Grammar Structure: Na-Adjective: When directly modifying a noun, you must append 'na' (な). For example, 'daiji na hito' (an important person). When ending a sentence, use 'desu' or 'da'.

This structure is the bedrock of expressing value in Japanese.

健康はとても大事です。

Notice how the sentence flows naturally, placing the subject (health) first, followed by the degree adverb (very), and concluding with the adjective and copula. This pattern is endlessly repeatable for any topic you wish to emphasize. Another critical usage pattern involves the verb 'suru' (to do). When combined as 'daiji ni suru', it transforms the adjective into an action phrase meaning 'to take good care of' or 'to treasure'.

古い時計を大事にしている。

This construction is incredibly powerful because it shifts the focus from a static state of importance to an active demonstration of care. It implies ongoing maintenance, respect, and emotional investment.

The 'Ni Suru' Construction: Adding 'ni suru' to a na-adjective often turns it into a verb phrase indicating 'to treat as [adjective]'. Here, it means 'to treat as important'.

You will frequently hear parents telling children to take care of their toys using this exact phrasing.

おもちゃを大事にしなさい。

Furthermore, the word can be used adverbially by attaching 'ni' and modifying a verb. For instance, 'daiji ni tsukau' means 'to use carefully' or 'to use sparingly'.

お金を大事に使うべきだ。

This adverbial usage highlights the practical application of importance—if something is important, you handle it with care.

Adverbial Modification: By changing 'na' to 'ni', the word modifies the following verb, describing *how* an action is performed—in this case, carefully or with great value.

Finally, in negative constructions, you simply conjugate the copula. 'Daiji ja nai' or 'daiji dewa arimasen' means 'not important'.

それはあまり大事ではない。

Mastering these varied structures—adjectival modification, active verb phrases, adverbial usage, and negation—will provide you with a comprehensive toolkit for expressing value and importance in any conversational setting.

The ubiquity of 大事 (daiji) in spoken and written Japanese cannot be overstated. Because it bridges the gap between objective importance and subjective emotional value, it appears in a vast array of contexts, from the most intimate family conversations to formal public announcements. One of the most common places you will hear this word is in medical or health-related contexts.

Medical Contexts: In hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, the phrase 'Odaiji ni' is the standard parting greeting, wishing the patient a swift recovery and urging them to value their health.

薬を飲んで、お大事にしてください。

You will also frequently encounter it in educational settings. Teachers constantly remind students about the importance of their studies, their time, and their relationships with peers.

毎日の復習が大事です。

In these environments, the word serves as a gentle but firm reminder of priorities. In the realm of pop culture, particularly in anime, manga, and J-dramas, the word is a staple of emotional dialogue. Characters often declare their resolve to protect what is precious to them.

Emotional and Dramatic Use: Protagonists frequently use this word to describe their friends, their village, or their mission, highlighting the deep emotional stakes of the narrative.

お前は俺の大事な仲間だ。

This usage underscores the word's capacity to convey deep affection and loyalty. In everyday interpersonal communication, people use it to express gratitude or to emphasize the value of a relationship.

この手紙はとても大事なものです。

It is also common in business, though often replaced by more formal equivalents in written documents. However, in spoken business interactions, a manager might tell a team that a particular client is very important.

Business and Professional Contexts: While 'juuyou' is preferred for documents, 'daiji' is perfectly acceptable in spoken meetings to emphasize the priority of a task or client.

明日の会議は非常に大事だ。

By paying attention to these diverse contexts—from the doctor's office to the anime battlefield, and from the classroom to the boardroom—you will develop a nuanced appreciation for how this essential word functions as a pillar of Japanese communication.

Even though 大事 (daiji) is introduced early in Japanese language studies, learners frequently stumble over its grammatical application and contextual nuances. One of the most prevalent errors is forgetting that it is a na-adjective. Because the English translation 'important' does not require a particle to modify a noun, English speakers often directly attach the word to a noun.

The Missing 'Na' Particle: Learners often say 'daiji hon' instead of the correct 'daiji na hon'. This makes the sentence sound broken and unnatural to native speakers.

❌ 大事本です。 ➔ ⭕ 大事な本です。

Always remember to include the 'na' when placing the adjective directly before the noun it modifies. Another frequent mistake involves confusing it with its close synonym, 大切 (taisetsu). While they are often interchangeable, they have subtle differences in nuance.

ペットを大事にする。

'Taisetsu' leans slightly more towards emotional preciousness and irreplaceable value, whereas 'daiji' can encompass both emotional value and practical necessity. A third common error is misusing the phrase 'Odaiji ni'. Learners sometimes try to use this phrase to mean 'take care' in a general sense, like when saying goodbye to a friend who is perfectly healthy.

Misapplication of 'Odaiji ni': 'Odaiji ni' is strictly reserved for situations where someone is sick, injured, or recovering. Using it with a healthy person is confusing and inappropriate.

風邪を引いた友達に「お大事に」と言う。

For a general 'take care', phrases like 'Ki o tsukete' are appropriate. Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the adverbial form. When trying to say 'I will treat it carefully', they might incorrectly use the adjectival form.

❌ 大事な使います。 ➔ ⭕ 大事に使います。

Adverbial Conjugation: To modify a verb, you must change the 'na' to 'ni'. This transforms the word into an adverb, describing the manner of the action.

Finally, pronunciation can sometimes be an issue. The pitch accent is typically 'heiban' (flat), meaning the pitch rises slightly after the first mora and stays flat. Pronouncing it with a sharp drop can make it sound like a different word or simply unnatural.

発音も大事なポイントです。

By being aware of these common pitfalls—grammatical particles, contextual appropriateness, and subtle nuances—you can significantly improve the accuracy and naturalness of your Japanese expression.

The Japanese language is rich with vocabulary to express importance, value, and significance. While 大事 (daiji) is an excellent all-purpose word, understanding its synonyms allows for much more precise and nuanced communication. The most immediate and common synonym is 大切 (taisetsu).

大事 vs. 大切 (Taisetsu): Both mean 'important' or 'precious'. However, 'taisetsu' carries a stronger emotional weight. It implies that something is irreplaceable and cherished deeply from the heart. 'Daiji' can be emotional, but it also covers practical necessity.

彼女は私にとって大事（大切）な人だ。

In the sentence above, both words work perfectly, but 'taisetsu' might sound slightly more romantic or deeply affectionate. Another crucial synonym is 重要 (juuyou).

大事 vs. 重要 (Juuyou): 'Juuyou' translates strictly to 'important' or 'essential' in an objective, factual, or formal sense. It lacks the emotional warmth of 'daiji' and is used in news, academic writing, and formal business contexts.

これは非常に重要な（大事な）書類です。

You would rarely call a beloved pet 'juuyou', but a legal contract certainly is. A third related term is 貴重 (kichou), which means 'precious' or 'valuable', specifically referring to rarity or high worth.

大事 vs. 貴重 (Kichou): 'Kichou' is used for things that are rare, expensive, or hard to replace, such as a valuable antique, a rare experience, or someone's precious time.

貴重な（大事な）ご意見をありがとうございます。

In this context, thanking someone for their 'kichou na iken' (valuable opinion) is a highly polite set phrase. Finally, there is 肝心 (kanjin), which means 'essential', 'crucial', or 'the main point'.

ここからが肝心な（大事な）ところだ。

'Kanjin' emphasizes that without this specific element, the whole endeavor might fail. It highlights the core necessity of a matter.

何事も初めが大事（肝心）だ。

By carefully selecting among 'daiji', 'taisetsu', 'juuyou', 'kichou', and 'kanjin', you can express exactly the flavor of importance you intend, demonstrating a high level of fluency and cultural awareness.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Na-adjective modification (~na noun)

Adverbial form of na-adjectives (~ni verb)

Verb nominalization (verb-ing is important: ~koto wa daiji desu)

Making things into verbs (~ni suru)

Degree adverbs (totemo, amari, ichiban)

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Exemples par niveau

これは大事です。

This is important.

Basic sentence structure: [Noun] wa daiji desu.

お大事に。

Get well soon. / Take care.

Set phrase used for sick people.

大事な本です。

It is an important book.

Na-adjective modifying a noun (daiji na + noun).

家族は大事です。

Family is important.

Expressing personal value.

ここ、大事です。

This part is important.

Conversational omission of particles.

大事なテストがあります。

I have an important test.

Using daiji to describe an event.

それは大事じゃないです。

That is not important.

Negative form (ja nai desu).

お金は大事です。

Money is important.

Expressing general truths.

この手紙はとても大事です。

This letter is very important.

Using degree adverbs (totemo).

友達を大事にします。

I treasure my friends. / I take care of my friends.

Verb phrase: daiji ni suru (to treat as important).

大事なことを忘れました。

I forgot something important.

Modifying 'koto' (abstract thing).

体を大事にしてください。

Please take care of your body/health.

Using 'daiji ni suru' as a request (shite kudasai).

一番大事なものは何ですか。

What is the most important thing?

Using superlatives (ichiban).

時間を大事に使います。

I use my time carefully.

Adverbial use (daiji ni + verb).

それは私にとって大事な思い出です。

That is an important memory for me.

Using 'ni totte' (for me / to me).

あまり大事な話じゃありません。

It's not a very important talk/story.

Using 'amari' with the negative form.

健康が一番大事だから、毎日運動しています。

Because health is the most important, I exercise every day.

Using 'dakara' (because) to explain a reason based on importance.

彼に大事な用事があると言われました。

I was told by him that he has an important errand.

Using reported speech and passive voice.

このパソコンは仕事で使うので、大事に扱ってください。

I use this laptop for work, so please handle it carefully.

Adverbial use modifying a specific action verb (atsukau).

いくら忙しくても、睡眠時間は大事にすべきだ。

No matter how busy you are, you should value your sleep time.

Using 'subeki da' (should do) with 'daiji ni suru'.

環境を守ることは、私たちにとって大事な課題です。

Protecting the environment is an important issue for us.

Using nominalization (koto) as the subject.

ちょっと風邪気味なので、今日は大事をとって休みます。

I feel a slight cold coming on, so I will play it safe and rest today.

Idiomatic expression: daiji o toru (to play it safe).

大事な会議の前に、資料をもう一度確認しましょう。

Before the important meeting, let's check the documents one more time.

Using 'no mae ni' (before).

親からもらった時計をずっと大事にしています。

I have been taking good care of the watch I received from my parents.

Using present continuous (shite imasu) for an ongoing state of care.

彼が遅刻したのは、何か大事があったからに違いない。

The fact that he is late must mean that some serious matter occurred.

Using 'daiji' as a noun meaning 'a serious matter/incident'.

目先の利益よりも、顧客との信頼関係を大事にする企業が生き残る。

Companies that value trust with customers over short-term profits will survive.

Complex sentence structure comparing two concepts using 'yorimo'.

このプロジェクトの成功には、チームワークが何よりも大事になってくる。

For the success of this project, teamwork will become more important than anything else.

Using 'nani yori mo' (more than anything) and 'ni natte kuru' (will become).

大事に至らなくて本当に良かったですね。

I'm really glad it didn't turn into a major disaster.

Idiomatic phrase: daiji ni itaranai (not leading to a serious situation).

彼女は自分のキャリアと同じくらい、家族との時間を大事にしている。

She values her time with her family just as much as her career.

Using 'to onaji kurai' (as much as).

情報漏洩は会社にとって一大事になりかねない。

An information leak could become a matter of grave concern for the company.

Using 'ichidaiji' (a matter of grave concern) and 'kanenai' (could happen).

初心を大事にしながら、新しいことにも挑戦していきたい。

While cherishing my original intentions, I want to challenge myself with new things.

Using 'nagara' (while doing) to express simultaneous states/actions.

どんなに小さな約束でも、大事に守るのが彼の良いところだ。

His good point is that he carefully keeps even the smallest promises.

Using 'donna ni... demo' (no matter how...).

国家の存亡に関わる大事である以上、軽率な判断は許されない。

Since this is a serious matter concerning the fate of the nation, hasty judgments are unacceptable.

Highly formal noun usage; using 'ijou' (since/now that).

伝統工芸の技術を後世に伝えていくことは、極めて大事な使命である。

Passing down traditional craft techniques to future generations is an extremely important mission.

Using formal vocabulary ('kiwamete', 'shimei', 'de aru').

些細なミスが後々大事を引き起こすこともあるので、油断は禁物だ。

Since trivial mistakes can sometimes cause major problems later on, negligence is forbidden.

Using 'daiji o hikiokosu' (to cause a major incident).

彼は常に「和を以て貴しと為す」という精神を大事にして経営を行ってきた。

He has always managed his business valuing the spirit of 'harmony is the greatest of virtues'.

Quoting classical maxims and using 'ni shite' in a formal context.

この歴史的建造物は、地域のアイデンティティを形成する上で大事な役割を担っている。

This historical building plays an important role in forming the regional identity.

Using 'ue de' (in the process of / when) and 'yakuwari o ninau' (to play a role).

大事の前の小事と割り切って、今は我慢するしかない。

Treating it as a minor issue before a major undertaking, we have no choice but to endure it for now.

Using the proverb 'Daiji no mae no shouji' (minor matters before a great undertaking).

個人の自由も大事だが、公共の福祉とのバランスをどう取るかが問われている。

Individual freedom is important, but how to balance it with public welfare is being questioned.

Discussing complex societal issues using 'ga' (but) and passive voice ('towarete iru').

彼女の言葉には、目に見えないものを大事にするという深い哲学が込められていた。

Her words contained a deep philosophy of valuing things that cannot be seen.

Using relative clauses to describe abstract philosophical concepts.

天下の大事を取り仕切る者には、それ相応の覚悟が求められる。

Those who manage the great affairs of the realm are required to have a corresponding level of resolve.

Literary/historical usage of 'Tenka no daiji' (great affairs of the realm).

一命を賭してでも成し遂げねばならぬ大事が、彼にはあったのだ。

He had a great cause that he had to accomplish even at the risk of his own life.

Classical grammar elements ('nashitogeneba naranu').

平時においては見過ごされがちな微細な変化こそ、有事においては大事の兆候となり得る。

The minute changes that tend to be overlooked in peacetime can become the very signs of a major crisis in an emergency.

Highly academic/analytical sentence structure using 'koso' and 'ariuru'.

己の矜持を大事にするあまり、彼は周囲との協調性を欠くきらいがあった。

Caring too much about his own pride, he had a tendency to lack cooperativeness with those around him.

Using 'amari' (too much) to show a negative consequence, and 'kirai ga aru' (tendency to).

万が一にも大事を仕損じるようなことがあれば、腹を切って詫びる所存です。

Should I by any chance fail in this great undertaking, it is my intention to apologize by committing seppuku.

Extremely formal, archaic expression of commitment ('shisonjiru', 'shozon desu').

物質的な豊かさを追求する近代社会において、精神的な充足をいかに大事に育むかが現代のテーゼである。

In a modern society that pursues material wealth, how to carefully cultivate spiritual fulfillment is the thesis of our time.

Philosophical discourse using 'ikani' (how) and 'hagukumu' (cultivate).

大事な局面において沈黙を守ることは、時に雄弁に語るよりも強いメッセージを発する。

Maintaining silence at a crucial juncture sometimes sends a stronger message than speaking eloquently.

Using 'kyokumen' (juncture/phase) and contrasting concepts.

先人たちが血と汗で築き上げたこの平和を、我々は決して等閑視せず、未来永劫大事に受け継いでいかなければならない。

We must never neglect this peace built by the blood and sweat of our predecessors, and must carefully pass it down for all eternity.

Highly rhetorical, formal speech style ('naigashiro ni sezu', 'mirai eigou').

Collocations courantes

大事な人

大事なこと

大事な会議

大事にする

大事をとる

大事に至る

大事な思い出

大事な役割

大事なポイント

お大事に

Phrases Courantes

お大事に

大事にする

大事をとる

大事に至らない

大事なこと

一番大事

大事に使う

大事な時期

大事な話

一大事

Souvent confondu avec

大事 vs 大切 (taisetsu)

大事 vs 重要 (juuyou)

大事 vs 重大 (juudai)

Expressions idiomatiques

"大事をとる"

"大事の前の小事"

"大事に至る"

"小事にかまけて大事を忘れる"

"大事を成す"

"国家の大事"

"一大事"

"大事を企てる"

"大事を任せる"

"大事に抱える"

Facile à confondre

大事 vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

note

While 'daiji' and 'taisetsu' are often interchangeable, 'taisetsu' is slightly more emotional and 'daiji' is slightly more practical. 'Juuyou' is strictly objective and formal.

Erreurs courantes

Saying '大事本' (daiji hon) instead of '大事な本' (daiji na hon).
Using 'お大事に' (Odaiji ni) to say goodbye to a healthy person.
Using '大事' in highly formal academic papers instead of '重要' (juuyou).
Saying '大事に使う' (daiji ni tsukau) incorrectly as '大事な使う' (daiji na tsukau).
Pronouncing it with a sharp pitch drop on the first syllable.

Astuces

Don't Forget the 'Na'

The most common mistake beginners make is saying 'daiji hon' instead of 'daiji na hon'. Always remember that as a na-adjective, it needs the 'na' glue to stick to a noun.

The Magic of 'Odaiji ni'

Memorize 'Odaiji ni' as a single block of vocabulary. It is the absolute best and most natural thing to say when anyone tells you they are feeling under the weather.

Daiji vs Juuyou

Think of 'daiji' as 'important to me/us' (subjective, warm) and 'juuyou' as 'important to the system/facts' (objective, cold). Use them accordingly to sound like a native.

Expressing Care

Use the phrase 'daiji ni shite iru' to talk about your hobbies, pets, or collections. It shows that you are a caring person and adds depth to your self-introductions.

Listen for the Cue

In lectures or meetings, when a speaker says 'Koko ga daiji desu' (This is important), physically pick up your pen. It's the universal Japanese cue for 'write this down'.

Formal Emails

If you are writing an email to a boss or client, search your draft for 'daiji' and replace it with 'juuyou'. It instantly elevates the professionalism of your writing.

Playing it Safe

Learn the phrase 'daiji o toru' (to play it safe). It's a great excuse to use when you need to cancel plans because you feel slightly sick. Japanese culture highly respects 'playing it safe'.

Keep it Flat

Practice saying 'da-I-JI' with a flat intonation after the first syllable. Don't stress the 'da' like you would in English 'DAI-ji'.

Adverbial Magic

Change 'na' to 'ni' to describe *how* you do something. 'Daiji ni tsukau' (use carefully) is a very natural way to promise someone you won't break the thing they lent you.

Emotional Weight

If you want to confess your feelings or show deep appreciation, using 'taisetsu' might hit slightly harder than 'daiji', though 'daiji na hito' is still very romantic and sweet.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a BIG (大) THING (事) falling from the sky. You have to treat it as IMPORTANT (大事) to survive!

Origine du mot

Sino-Japanese (On'yomi)

Contexte culturel

Appropriate for everyday conversation, both casual and polite. For highly formal written documents, 'juuyou' is often preferred.

Standard/Polite. Can be made more polite by adding 'nasatte kudasai' (e.g., Odaiji ni nasatte kudasai).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"あなたにとって一番大事なものは何ですか？ (What is the most important thing to you?)"

"最近、大事な買い物をしましたか？ (Have you made any important purchases recently?)"

"健康を大事にするために、何かしていますか？ (Are you doing anything to take care of your health?)"

"子供の頃から大事にしている物はありますか？ (Do you have anything you've treasured since childhood?)"

"仕事とプライベート、どちらが大事だと思いますか？ (Which do you think is more important, work or private life?)"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about the most 'daiji' (important) person in your life and why.

Describe an object you 'daiji ni shite iru' (take good care of).

Reflect on a time when you realized health is 'daiji'.

Write a short dialogue between a doctor and a patient using 'Odaiji ni'.

List five 'daiji na koto' (important things) you need to do this week.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Both mean 'important' or 'precious'. 'Taisetsu' has a stronger emotional nuance, implying something is irreplaceable and cherished from the heart. 'Daiji' can also be emotional but is often used for practical necessity, like an important document or health. In many everyday situations, they are interchangeable.

Yes, if it directly precedes and modifies a noun. Because it is a na-adjective, you must say 'daiji na hon' (important book). If it is at the end of a sentence, you use 'desu' or 'da', like 'Kono hon wa daiji desu' (This book is important).

'Odaiji ni' is a set phrase used exclusively when someone is sick, injured, or recovering. It means 'Please take care of yourself' or 'Get well soon'. You say it when leaving a hospital, or when parting ways with a friend who has a cold. Do not use it as a general 'take care' for healthy people.

While 'daiji' is understood in business, it is generally considered a bit too conversational or subjective for formal documents or emails. In professional writing, it is much better to use '重要' (juuyou), which sounds more objective and formal.

When you combine the adjective 'daiji' with the verb 'suru' (to do) using the particle 'ni', it becomes an action meaning 'to take good care of', 'to treasure', or 'to treat as important'. For example, 'Kazoku o daiji ni suru' means 'I treasure my family'.

You conjugate the copula (desu/da) attached to the word. In polite speech, you say '大事ではありません' (daiji dewa arimasen) or '大事じゃないです' (daiji ja nai desu). In casual speech, you say '大事じゃない' (daiji ja nai).

This is an idiomatic expression that means 'to play it safe' or 'to take precautions'. For example, if you have a slight cough and decide not to go to a party just in case it gets worse, you are 'daiji o totte' staying home.

It functions as both. Primarily, learners use it as a na-adjective (形容動詞 - keiyoudoushi) to describe things. However, it is also a noun meaning 'a serious matter' or 'a major incident', often seen in phrases like '国家の大事' (a national crisis) or '一大事' (a major event).

Yes, absolutely. Because it functions as an adjective, you can modify it with degree adverbs. 'Totemo daiji' (very important), 'hontou ni daiji' (truly important), and 'sugoku daiji' (super important) are all very common and natural phrases.

The pitch accent is 'heiban' (flat). This means the first mora 'da' is low, and the pitch rises on 'i' and stays high for 'ji' and any following particles. Pronouncing it with a drop in pitch sounds unnatural.

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Teste-toi 185 questions

writing

Translate: 'This is important.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Kore (this) wa daiji (important) desu (is).