Meaning and Usage
"大切" (たいせつ) means "important" or "precious." It is used to describe things, people, or concepts that hold significant value or importance to someone. It can refer to emotional value, practical importance, or both.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "大切" when talking about family, health, documents, or feelings. For example, "大切な人" means "important person" or "loved one." It is a polite and common adjective used in everyday conversation.
Collocations and Patterns
- 大切な人 (たいせつなひと): important person, loved one
- 大切にする (たいせつにする): to cherish, to take good care of
- 大切な時間 (たいせつなじかん): important time
Register and Nuance
"大切" is neutral and polite enough for daily use. It is not overly formal but respectful. It conveys genuine care or importance without exaggeration.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "大切" with "重要" (じゅうよう), which also means "important." "大切" often has a more emotional or personal nuance, while "重要" is more formal and objective. Use "大切" when emphasizing personal value or care.