重要

じゅうよう

important, essential

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"重要" (zhòng yào) is an adjective meaning "important" or "significant." It is used to emphasize the value or necessity of a person, thing, or concept in various contexts such as meetings, responsibilities, or advice.

Common Collocations

  • 重要问题 (important issue): used in formal or serious discussions.
  • 重要责任 (important responsibility): emphasizes duties or obligations.
  • 重要 (the important thing is): a common phrase to highlight the key point in advice or instructions.

Usage Notes

"重要" is often used before nouns to describe their significance. It can also appear in phrases to stress what matters most in a situation. Unlike some synonyms, "重要" carries a neutral tone and is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Avoiding Confusion

Do not confuse "重要" with "," which also means "major" or "significant" but often implies a greater scale or seriousness, especially in news or official reports.

Example Sentences

This meeting discussed a very important issue.

Protecting the environment is an important responsibility for each of us.

The important thing is to stay calm and not panic.