What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of taisetsu (precious/important), ni (an adverbial particle) and omotte iru (the continuous state of thinking or feeling), literally meaning "to be thinking [of someone] as precious".
Which one should you use?
While 大切に思っている focuses on the internal feeling of valuing someone, the similar phrase 大事にしている often implies treating someone or something with great care or protecting them.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai dialect, the phrase 大事にしとるわ is used to mean "I care about you".
How does it change in a sentence?
Changing the ending of the phrase from iru to imasu makes it the polite form 大切に思っています.
How do you pronounce it?
taisetsu ni omotte iru
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to translate "you" directly as anata in the phrase あなたを大切に思う, but in Japanese, it is more natural to omit the object or use the person's name instead of using anata when expressing this sentiment.
Did you know?
- Asking a simple question like お腹は空いていない？ ('Are you hungry?') can function as a profound way to say 'I care about you' in Japanese. This indirect method prioritizes the physical well-being of the other person over a direct emotional statement.
- Because 大切 ('taisetsu') is so emotionally potent, using it with a casual acquaintance can be mistaken for a confession of love.
- The word 大事 ('daiji'), which is similar to 大切 ('taisetsu'), shares a root with words meaning 'serious' or 'grave'. This means a 'big matter' can refer to both something precious and a major, potentially negative, event.
Examples in context
- 君のことを大切に思っている。Kimi no koto o taisetsu ni omotte iru.I care about you.
- いつも君を大切に思っているよ。Itsumo kimi o taisetsu ni omotte iru yo.I always care about you.
Example conversation
A quiet park during a sunset where a couple is talking about their relationship.
- 蓮 Renずっと君のことを大切に思っている。Zutto kimi no koto o taisetsu ni omotte iru.I have always cared about you.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さん、ありがとう。Ren-san, arigatou.Ren, thank you.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵のことが本当に大切なんだ。Himari no koto ga hontou ni taisetsu nanda.You are truly important to me, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari私も同じ気持ちだよ。Watashi mo onaji kimochi da yo.I feel the same way.
