1.
important; essential; crucial; vital
Describes something that is critically important and must not be overlooked or neglected. Often implies that something is the key point or the most important aspect of a situation.
Emphasizes that something is the key point that matters most. Often used when something important is being neglected or when pointing out what really counts. The alternate kanji spelling 肝腎 is also seen but less common.
Common collocations
- 肝心なこと: the important thing
- 肝心なところ: the crucial point/moment
- 肝心な時に: at the critical moment
- 肝心要: the essential point (emphatic compound)
Similar words
- 大切な: important — more general and warm; used for things one values
- 重要な: important — more formal and objective
- 大事な: important — similar to 大切 but slightly more casual
- 肝要な: essential — more literary and formal synonym
Usage
肝心 often appears in the pattern 肝心な時に限って (precisely at the crucial moment...), expressing frustration when something goes wrong at the worst possible time.