A1 noun Neutral

重要

/d͡ʑɯːjoː/

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
1

これはとても重要な書類です。

This is a very important document.

2

重要事項についてご説明いたします。

I will explain the important matters.

3

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

Noun
重要
Verb
重視する
Adverb
重要に
Adjective
重要だ
Related
重要性
💡

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

1

これはとても重要な書類です。

everyday

This is a very important document.

2

重要事項についてご説明いたします。

formal

I will explain the important matters.

3

これ、テストに出るから重要だよ。

informal

This will be on the test, so it's important.

4

水は生態系において重要な役割を果たしています。

academic

Water plays an important role in the ecosystem.

5

明日の会議は非常に重要です。

business

Tomorrow's meeting is extremely important.

Word Family

Noun
重要
Verb
重視する
Adverb
重要に
Adjective
重要だ
Related
重要性

Common Collocations

重要な役割 important role
重要な情報 important information
重要な決断 important decision
重要な要素 important element
最も重要 most important

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

重要 vs 大切 (taisetsu)

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

重要 + な + Noun 重要 + だ/です 重要 + ではない
🌍

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

More general words

相応

B2

Appropriate, 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

B2

Something that is absolutely necessary or required. It cannot be omitted or avoided.

正当

B2

Being lawful, fair, or based on a logical or moral reason; legitimate.

重複

B2

Duplication, overlap, or repetition. It refers to situations where the same thing exists in multiple places or happens more than once unnecessarily.

A1

A 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

A1

A 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

A1

Nouryoku 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

A1

The 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

A1

The 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

A1

Kekka 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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