1.
relative importance; priority; significance
the degree of importance or priority given to something
罪の軽重を判断する。
To judge the severity of a crime.
仕事の軽重に応じて担当を決める。
To assign responsibilities according to the importance of the work.
命の軽重は問えない。
One cannot weigh the value of lives.
税金の軽重は収入によって決まる。
Tax burden is determined by income.
責任の軽重にかかわらず全員で対応する。
We will respond as a team regardless of the level of responsibility.
2.
light and heavy; weight difference
the physical difference in weight between things
荷物の軽重を確認する。
To check the weight of the luggage.
石の軽重を手で確かめる。
To check the weight of stones by hand.
素材の軽重によって運搬方法を変える。
We change the transport method depending on the weight of the materials.
軽重 is a compound of 軽 (light) + 重 (heavy), used figuratively for relative importance.
USAGE:
Sense 1 (relative importance/severity) is the primary modern usage. The physical "light and heavy" meaning is less common.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 軽重を問う: to question the relative importance
- 軽重を判断する: to judge severity
- 罪の軽重: severity of a crime
- 責任の軽重: degree of responsibility
REGISTER:
Formal word often used in legal, business, and academic contexts.