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How to Say ‘Cherish’ in Japanese

大切にしてください

taisetsu ni shi te kudasai

[tai-seh-tsoo nee shee teh koo-dah-sai]

💬 Usage Tip: Literally, this means “please treat it as precious.” It can mean “take good care of it” or “cherish it,” depending on context.

🇯🇵 In Japan: This phrase is often used not only for things, but also for health, relationships, memories, and emotions. Very Japanese, very heartfelt.

Phrase Breakdown

大切に

taisetsu ni

carefully; with importance; cherish

Means to treat something as important and valuable.

Example

その気持ちを大切にしてください。

Please cherish that feeling.

Words in this phrase

大切

taisetsu

[tai-seh-tsoo]

important; precious

Describes something that should be cherished.

Example

時間を大切にしてください。

Please value your time.

に

ni

[nee]

-ly; in a ... way

Makes the phrase adverbial, meaning to treat something carefully or as important.

Example

時間を大切にしてください。

Please value your time.

してください

shi te kudasai

please do

Polite request form asking someone to do something.

Example

その気持ちを大切にしてください。

Please cherish that feeling.

Words in this phrase

し

shi

[shee]

do

From する, used here as part of a request.

Example

時間を大切にしてください。

Please value your time.

て

te

[teh]

-te form ending

Part of the te-form used before ください.

Example

時間を大切にしてください。

Please value your time.

ください

kudasai

[koo-dah-sai]

please

Makes the expression a polite request.

Example

時間を大切にしてください。

Please value your time.

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