How to say "imperative" in Japanese

• 急務きゅうむCommon
  nounCovers 'imperative' as a noun: an urgent task or pressing need that demands prompt action. Typical of statements that tackling some problem is a top priority, as in discussion of policy or business.
• 命令型めいれいがた
  no-adjectiveThe grammatical term for the imperative: the form used to express commands. It is not a way of saying that something is urgent or essential, so it seldom fits the other senses of 'imperative'.
• 欠かせないかかせない
  expression, i-adjectiveAn adjective covering 'imperative' in the sense of essential or indispensable — something that cannot be done without. Use it for qualities or conditions that something depends on; it conveys necessity rather than urgency.

Choose 急務 when 'imperative' is a noun meaning an urgent, pressing task, 「欠かせない」 when it means essential or indispensable, and 命令型 only for the grammatical imperative, the form used for commands.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 急務きゅうむurgent business
• 命令型めいれいがたimperative
• 欠かせないかかせないindispensable