Taisetsu refers to things that hold significant value or emotional importance to you.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for things or people of great personal value.
- Often implies care, respect, or emotional attachment.
- Functions as a na-adjective in Japanese grammar.
Overview
- 1概要：「たいせつ（大切）」は、日本語で最も頻繁に使われる形容動詞の一つです。単に「重要」という意味だけでなく、愛情や敬意、保護の対象であるというニュアンスを含みます。2) 使用パターン：名詞を修飾する場合は「大切な〜」、述語として使う場合は「〜が大切です」という形をとります。また、「大切にする」と動詞化することで、「物を丁寧に扱う」「人を思いやる」という意味になります。3) 一般的な文脈：家族や友人などの人間関係、将来の夢や目標、あるいは思い出の品物など、個人の価値観において「守るべきもの」に対して使われます。ビジネスシーンでは「大切な会議」や「大切な取引先」のように、優先順位が高いことを示す際にも使用されます。4) 類語との比較：「重要（じゅうよう）」は客観的な価値や緊急性を表すことが多く、論理的・公的な文脈で使われます。一方「たいせつ」は主観的な感情や愛着が伴う場合が多く、より温かみのある言葉です。
Examples
これは祖母からもらった大切な時計です。
everydayThis is a precious watch I received from my grandmother.
お客様との信頼関係を大切にしています。
formalWe value the relationship of trust with our clients.
健康が一番大切だよ。
informalHealth is the most important thing.
文化遺産を大切に保存する。
academicTo carefully preserve cultural heritage.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
お体を大切に
Please take care of yourself.
大切に使う
To use something carefully.
大切に保管する
To keep something safely.
Often Confused With
Juyo focuses on objective importance or high priority. Taisetsu focuses on personal value and care.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Taisetsu is a versatile word used in both casual and formal settings. It is a 'na-adjective', meaning it requires 'na' before nouns and 'da/desu' as a predicate. It carries a warm, positive connotation of cherishing something.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to add 'na' when modifying nouns (e.g., saying 'taisetsu hito' instead of 'taisetsu-na hito'). Also, avoid using it to describe purely technical or cold facts where 'juyo' would be more appropriate.
Tips
Use with na-adjective rules
Remember that taisetsu is a na-adjective. When connecting to a noun, use 'na' (taisetsu-na hito).
Avoid overuse in business
While polite, using 'taisetsu' too much in formal writing can sound overly emotional. Use 'juyo' (important) for purely professional matters.
The concept of Mottainai
The cultural value of 'taisetsu' is closely linked to 'mottainai,' which emphasizes not wasting things and treating all objects with gratitude.
Word Origin
Derived from the Kanji '大' (big) and '切' (cut/limit). Historically, it referred to something so significant that it could not be cut or separated from one's core.
Cultural Context
The word reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on maintaining harmony and showing gratitude toward objects and people. It is a cornerstone of interpersonal etiquette.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Tie-set' (Taisetsu) - you keep a set of ties that are precious to you. Taisetsu = things you keep close because they matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions意味はほぼ同じですが、「大事」は「大事に至る」のように事態の重大さや深刻さを強調する場合によく使われます。「大切」は愛着やケアの対象を強調する傾向があります。
はい、使えます。「大切な人」と言うと、恋人、家族、親友など、自分にとってかけがえのない存在を指します。
「どうでもいい」「無関心」「粗末にする」などが反対の概念として挙げられます。
はい、「大切にする」という形でよく使われます。物を壊さないように扱うことや、相手を思いやる行動を指します。
Test Yourself
家族は私にとって一番___存在です。
人に対して最も自然な表現は「大切な」です。
Score: /1
Summary
Taisetsu refers to things that hold significant value or emotional importance to you.
- Used for things or people of great personal value.
- Often implies care, respect, or emotional attachment.
- Functions as a na-adjective in Japanese grammar.
Use with na-adjective rules
Remember that taisetsu is a na-adjective. When connecting to a noun, use 'na' (taisetsu-na hito).
Avoid overuse in business
While polite, using 'taisetsu' too much in formal writing can sound overly emotional. Use 'juyo' (important) for purely professional matters.
The concept of Mottainai
The cultural value of 'taisetsu' is closely linked to 'mottainai,' which emphasizes not wasting things and treating all objects with gratitude.
Examples
4 of 4これは祖母からもらった大切な時計です。
This is a precious watch I received from my grandmother.
お客様との信頼関係を大切にしています。
We value the relationship of trust with our clients.
健康が一番大切だよ。
Health is the most important thing.
文化遺産を大切に保存する。
To carefully preserve cultural heritage.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
