大切

• Reading: たいせつ
• Romaji: taisetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 大 (tai/dai) — big, large, great; 切 (setsu/ki) — cut, important, earnest
• Pronunciation: /ta.i.se.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

Important; precious; valuable. Expresses that something matters deeply and should be treasured.

A na-adjective conveying importance and preciousness. While 大事 (daiji) is a close synonym, 大切 carries a warmer, more emotional nuance — it suggests cherishing something. Used with な before nouns: 大切な人 (an important/precious person). Very common in expressing what one values in life.

Examples

1. 家族はとても大切です。 Family is very important.
2. 大切なことを忘れないでください。 Please don't forget the important things.
3. これは大切な写真です。 This is a precious photograph.

Usage Guide

Context: values, relationships, daily life

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Composed of 大 (big) and 切 (to cut). The original meaning related to something so significant it could not be cut away or discarded — hence, essential and precious.

Cultural Context

Era: Medieval

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal