B1 noun Neutral #2,000 most common 2 min read

重大な

judai na dʑɯ̟ːda̠na̠
Practice it

Overview

The Japanese word '重大な' (jūdai na) is an adjective that conveys a strong sense of seriousness, gravity, or importance. While it can be applied to various situations, when specifically used in the context of illness or health conditions, it emphasizes the severe and potentially life-threatening nature of the ailment. It suggests that the condition is not minor or trivial, but rather something that requires significant attention, concern, and often immediate medical intervention.

Breaking down the kanji, '重' (jū) means 'heavy' or 'important,' and '大' (dai) means 'large' or 'great.' Together, they literally imply a 'heavy greatness' or 'great importance.' The 'な' (na) ending is a grammatical particle that marks it as a na-adjective, allowing it to directly modify nouns (e.g., 重大な病気 - jūdai na byōki - serious illness).

When a doctor or a medical professional describes an illness as '重大な,' it signifies that the diagnosis carries significant implications for the patient's well-being and potentially their prognosis. It could mean:

  1. 1Life-threatening: The illness poses a direct threat to the patient's life if not treated promptly and effectively.
  1. 1Severe symptoms: The symptoms are intense, debilitating, and significantly impact the patient's quality of life.
  1. 1High risk of complications: The illness has a high likelihood of leading to further health problems or long-term damage.
  1. 1Complex treatment: The condition requires intricate, specialized, or lengthy medical procedures and care.
  1. 1Impact on future health: The illness could have lasting effects on the patient's health, even after recovery.

Consider the nuance compared to other Japanese adjectives for 'bad' or 'difficult.' For instance, '悪い' (warui) simply means 'bad' and can be used for a mild cold, whereas '深刻な' (shinkoku na) also means 'serious' but often implies a deeper, more profound seriousness, sometimes with emotional or psychological weight. '重大な' is more focused on the objective weight and consequences of the situation, especially in a medical context.

In conversations about health, using '重大な' communicates the urgency and critical nature of the situation, prompting those involved to take it with the utmost gravity. It's a word that evokes concern and underscores the need for careful consideration and action.

Examples

1

その患者は重大な病気を患っています。

medical

The patient is suffering from a serious illness.

2

これは私にとって重大な問題です。

general

This is a grave matter for me.

3

重大な発表が予定されています。

news/public speaking

A major announcement is scheduled.

4

彼の行動は重大な結果を招く可能性があります。

general

His actions could lead to grave consequences.

5

重大な決断を下す時が来ました。

general

The time has come to make a serious decision.

Common Collocations

重大な局面
重大な問題
重大な発表
重大な影響

Often Confused With

重大な vs 重大

な-adjective vs noun

重大な vs 深刻な

Both mean 'serious', but 重大な often implies 'of great importance' or 'critical', while 深刻な tends to emphasize the 'severity' or 'gravity' of a situation, often with negative connotations.

重大な vs 重要な

Both mean 'important', but 重大な is stronger, often implying 'critical' or 'grave', while 重要な is a more general term for 'important' or 'significant'.

Grammar Patterns

重大な問題 (jūdai na mondai): a serious problem 重大な結果 (jūdai na kekka): serious consequences 重大な局面 (jūdai na kyokumen): a critical phase/juncture

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The adjective '重大な' (jūdai na) is a na-adjective used to describe something of great importance, gravity, or seriousness. When applied to illnesses, it indicates a condition that is not only serious but often life-threatening or having significant long-term consequences. It's stronger than simply 'serious' (深刻な - shinkoku na) and implies a critical or crucial state. For example, '重大な病気' (jūdai na byōki) means a 'grave illness.' It can be used in formal or informal contexts, but its impact is always to convey a high degree of gravity. It's often used in medical settings, news reports, and serious discussions about health. One might also hear it in phrases like '重大な決断' (jūdai na ketsudan - a grave decision) or '重大な問題' (jūdai na mondai - a serious problem), demonstrating its versatility beyond just health contexts.

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing with similar-sounding words: Be careful not to confuse '重大な' (juudai na) with '重要な' (juuyou na - important, crucial) or '深刻な' (shinkoku na - serious, severe, usually referring to problems or situations). While there's overlap in meaning, '重大な' often carries a stronger sense of gravity or potential consequence, especially when referring to incidents, crimes, or illnesses. '重要な' emphasizes importance or necessity, and '深刻な' focuses on the depth or severity of a problem. 2. Incorrect particle usage: Remember that '重大な' is a na-adjective. When modifying a noun, it directly precedes the noun (e.g., 重大な問題 - juudai na mondai - a serious problem). When used predicatively, it typically appears with 'です' (desu) or 'だ' (da) (e.g., その問題は重大です - sono mondai wa juudai desu - That problem is serious). 3. Overuse in general contexts: While '重大な' means serious, it often implies a very high level of seriousness or gravity. For less intense or common situations, words like '大変な' (taihen na - difficult, serious, terrible) or '厳しい' (kibishii - strict, severe) might be more appropriate. For example, '大変な仕事' (taihen na shigoto - a difficult job) is more common than '重大な仕事' unless the job has extremely high stakes. 4. Misunderstanding nuance with 'illness': When referring to illness, '重大な病気' (juudai na byouki) implies a grave or life-threatening illness. For a more general 'serious illness' without necessarily implying immediate life-threat, '重い病気' (omoi byouki - literally 'heavy illness') or '深刻な病気' (shinkoku na byouki) might also be used, with '重大な' emphasizing the critical nature. 5. Forgetting the 'な': As a na-adjective, the 'な' is crucial when it directly precedes a noun. Omitting it is a common grammatical error for learners. For example, saying '重大問題' instead of '重大な問題' is incorrect.

Tips

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Usage Context: Formal & Serious Situations

'重大な' (juudai na) is typically used in formal and serious contexts to describe something of considerable importance, gravity, or severity. It's often associated with news reports, official statements, medical diagnoses, legal matters, or discussions about significant problems or issues. For example, you would use it for a '重大な事件' (juudai na jiken - serious incident) or '重大な決定' (juudai na kettei - serious decision).

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Distinguishing from Similar Words

While '重大な' conveys seriousness, it's important to differentiate it from similar adjectives. '深刻な' (shinkoku na) also means serious or grave, often emphasizing the depth or severity of a problem or situation, like '深刻な問題' (shinkoku na mondai - serious problem) or '深刻なダメージ' (shinkoku na dameeji - serious damage). '大切な' (taisetsu na) means important or precious, but it generally carries a more positive or personal connotation, such as '大切な人' (taisetsu na hito - important person) or '大切な思い出' (taisetsu na omoide - precious memory). '重要な' (juuyou na) means important or crucial, often focusing on the significance or necessity of something, like '重要な会議' (juuyou na kaigi - important meeting) or '重要な役割' (juuyou na yakuwari - important role). '重大な' specifically highlights the gravity and potential consequences of the matter at hand.

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Common Collocations and Phrases

'重大な' frequently appears in specific phrases. For illnesses, you might hear '重大な病気' (juudai na byouki - serious illness) or '重大な症状' (juudai na shoujou - serious symptoms). In other contexts, '重大な責任' (juudai na sekinin - serious responsibility) denotes a significant burden, while '重大な影響' (juudai na eikyou - serious impact) refers to substantial consequences. '重大な過失' (juudai na kashitsu - serious error/negligence) is often used in legal or professional settings. Understanding these common collocations helps in grasping the full nuance and appropriate usage of '重大な'.

Word Origin

From Middle Chinese 重大 (MC drjowngX dajH) 'heavy, great'. Compare Mandarin zhòngdà 'serious, grave' and Cantonese zung6 daai6 'serious, grave'.

Cultural Context

In Japanese culture, the concept of '重大な' (jūdai na) carries significant weight, especially when referring to illnesses or conditions. There's a strong cultural emphasis on resilience and not burdening others, which can sometimes lead individuals to downplay their symptoms or avoid seeking medical attention until a condition becomes truly '重大な'. Conversely, when a doctor or family member describes an illness as '重大な', it often prompts a heightened sense of urgency and concern, reflecting the seriousness with which health is regarded. The use of this term can also be tied to a sense of fate or destiny in some traditional beliefs surrounding health and misfortune.

Memory Tip

To remember '重大な' (juudai na), meaning 'serious' or 'grave,' think of 'juu' sounding like 'jewel' and 'dai' sounding like 'dye.' Imagine a 'jewel' that is so 'serious' and important that it has been dyed a deep, 'grave' color to signify its immense value and significance. The 'na' at the end reminds you it's a na-adjective. Alternatively, you can break down the kanji: 重 (jū) means 'heavy,' and 大 (dai) means 'large' or 'great.' So, something 'heavy and great' implies it is very 'serious' or 'grave.'

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

'重大な' (jūdai na) in Japanese primarily translates to 'serious' or 'grave.' It is often used to describe situations, conditions, or issues that carry significant weight, importance, or potential negative consequences. For instance, it can refer to a serious illness, a grave mistake, or a major problem. The nuance often implies something that demands careful attention due to its potential impact. It conveys a sense of gravity and significance, suggesting that the matter is not to be taken lightly. When applied to illnesses, it indicates a condition that is severe, potentially life-threatening, or has long-term implications for health.

In the context of health or illness, '重大な' (jūdai na) is used to describe a medical condition that is serious, severe, or critical. For example, '重大な病気' (jūdai na byōki) means a 'serious illness,' and '重大な症状' (jūdai na shōjō) refers to 'grave symptoms.' It can also be used to describe injuries, such as '重大な怪我' (jūdai na kega) for 'serious injuries.' This term emphasizes the severity of the health issue, indicating that it requires significant medical attention, intervention, or has a considerable impact on the patient's well-being and prognosis. It suggests that the condition is not minor and could have profound consequences.

Yes, '重大な' (jūdai na) can absolutely be used for a wide range of things beyond just illness. It's a versatile adjective that conveys 'seriousness,' 'gravity,' or 'importance' in various contexts. For example, '重大な問題' (jūdai na mondai) means a 'serious problem' or 'major issue,' '重大な決定' (jūdai na kettei) refers to a 'grave decision,' and '重大な責任' (jūdai na sekinin) signifies 'heavy responsibility.' You might also hear it in phrases like '重大な事件' (jūdai na jiken) for a 'serious incident' or '重大な影響' (jūdai na eikyō) for 'significant impact.' It consistently highlights the significant nature of the noun it modifies, implying that it carries considerable weight or consequences.

While '重大な' (jūdai na) is quite specific, there are some synonyms or similar expressions depending on the nuance you want to convey. For 'serious' or 'severe,' you might use '深刻な' (shinkoku na), which often emphasizes the depth or gravity of a situation, problem, or even facial expression. For something 'important' or 'crucial,' '重要な' (jūyō na) is a direct equivalent, focusing more on the significance rather than the potential negative outcome. If you want to convey 'critical,' '危機的な' (kiki-teki na) could be used, particularly for situations that are at a turning point or on the brink of danger. Each has slightly different connotations, but all relate to the concept of something not being trivial.

Test Yourself

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その問題は_____な結果をもたらす可能性があります。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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彼女の病状は_____で、すぐに手術が必要です。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
fill blank

これは私たちの未来にとって_____な決定です。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Score: /3

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