重要
This word describes something that is of great significance, value, or necessity. It is commonly used to indicate that a specific task, person, or piece of information should be given priority or careful attention.
Examples
3 of 5これはとても重要な書類です。
This is a very important document.
重要事項についてご説明いたします。
I will explain the important matters.
これ、テストに出るから重要だよ。
This will be on the test, so it's important.
Word Family
Memory Tip
The first kanji (重) means 'heavy' and the second (要) means 'essential'. Think of something so heavy with meaning that it is essential to hold onto.
Quick Quiz
健康(Health)は一番( )なことです。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 重要な
Examples
これはとても重要な書類です。
everydayThis is a very important document.
重要事項についてご説明いたします。
formalI will explain the important matters.
これ、テストに出るから重要だよ。
informalThis will be on the test, so it's important.
水は生態系において重要な役割を果たしています。
academicWater plays an important role in the ecosystem.
明日の会議は非常に重要です。
businessTomorrow's meeting is extremely important.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
重要人物
VIP / Key person
重要文化財
Important Cultural Property
重要視する
To regard as important
Often Confused With
Taisetsu often carries personal or emotional weight (precious), while Jūyō is more objective and logical (significant).
Usage Notes
Jūyō acts as a 'na-adjective'. When modifying a noun directly, you must use 'na' (e.g., jūyō na hito).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes forget to use 'na' before nouns or use it interchangeably with 'taisetsu' in emotional contexts where it sounds too clinical.
Memory Tip
The first kanji (重) means 'heavy' and the second (要) means 'essential'. Think of something so heavy with meaning that it is essential to hold onto.
Word Origin
Derived from Middle Chinese, combining 'heavy/weighty' (重) with 'necessity/essence' (要).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Japanese business culture, identifying the 'jūyō' person in a room is critical for proper etiquette and bowing hierarchy.
Quick Quiz
健康(Health)は一番( )なことです。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 重要な
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More general words
相応
B2Appropriate, suitable, or corresponding to a certain level, status, or ability. It is often used to describe costs or rewards that match the effort or quality.
必須
B2Something that is absolutely necessary or required. It cannot be omitted or avoided.
正当
B2Being lawful, fair, or based on a logical or moral reason; legitimate.
重複
B2Duplication, overlap, or repetition. It refers to situations where the same thing exists in multiple places or happens more than once unnecessarily.
差
A1A noun referring to a difference, gap, or margin between two or more things. It is frequently used to describe disparities in quantity, quality, time, or ability.
特徴
A1A distinctive feature, characteristic, or trait that makes someone or something stand out from others. It is used to describe physical appearances, personality traits, or qualities of objects.
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.
効果
A1The result or impact produced by an action, treatment, or cause. It is used to describe how well something works or the specific outcome achieved through effort or influence.
影響
A1The power or effect that someone or something has on the actions, behavior, or opinions of others. It describes how one thing can cause a change or produce a result in another thing, whether positive or negative.
結果
A1Kekka refers to the outcome, effect, or consequence of an action, process, or event. It is used to describe what happens at the end of a situation, such as the score of a game or the marks on an exam.
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