Meaning and Usage
The word 重大 (じゅうだい) means "serious" or "important," often used to describe matters, problems, decisions, or events that have significant impact or consequences. It is a formal and somewhat strong adjective, suitable for both spoken and written contexts where the gravity of a situation is emphasized.
Common Collocations
- 重大な問題 (じゅうだいなもんだい): a serious problem
- 重大な決断 (じゅうだいなけつだん): an important decision
- 重大な事故 (じゅうだいなじこ): a serious accident
- 重大な調査 (じゅうだいなちょうさ): a serious investigation
These collocations highlight the use of 重大 to stress the importance or seriousness of the noun it modifies.
Usage Notes
When using 重大, speakers imply that the subject is not trivial and requires attention or careful handling. It is often used in formal or official contexts, such as business, legal, or news reports.
A common learner mistake is confusing 重大 with simply "big" or "large" (大きい). Remember, 重大 emphasizes importance or seriousness, not size.
Summary
Use 重大 when you want to express that something is critically important or serious, especially in formal or professional settings. Pair it with nouns related to problems, decisions, events, or investigations to convey the gravity of the situation.