重要

• Pinyin: zhòng yào
• Hanzi breakdown: 重 = heavy, weighty; 要 = 西 (west, originally a waist) + 女 (woman) — essential, to want/need

Meaning

Important; significant. Describes something of great value or consequence.

One of the most common adjectives in Chinese, used in both spoken and written language. Can modify nouns directly: 重要的事情 (an important matter). Also used predicatively: 这件事很重要. Frequently appears in phrases like 最重要的 (the most important).

Examples

1. 这件事很重要。 This matter is very important.
2. 学习很重要。 Studying is very important.
3. 明天有一个重要的考试。 There is an important exam tomorrow.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, work, education

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 健康是最重要的。(Health is the most important thing.)
• 这是一个很重要的问题。(This is a very important question.)

Don't Say

• 这个重要很。(Adjectives go before 很, not after — say 这个很重要)

Origin & History

Compound of 重 (heavy/weighty) + 要 (to need/essential). Together: something that carries weight and is essential — important.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal