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March 24, 2026
重要zhòngyào(zhong4yao4)
The term 重要 (zhòngyào) means 'important' or 'significant' and is used to describe something that holds great value or priority in various contexts, such as academic, personal, or professional situations. It emphasizes the necessity or critical nature of a subject or issue.
Frequency#303DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of importance often extends to relationships and social harmony, where being considerate of what is deemed 重要 in interactions can affect personal and professional relationships significantly.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant 'Zhong' (重) weighing down a scale, tipping it to highlight something 'Yao' (要) that is crucial. Picture a heavy weight representing something of great importance, making it easy to remember that 重要 means important.
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AI Study Notes for 重要
Quick Contrast
关键 (guānjiàn) — use 重要 for general importance, while 关键 emphasizes a crucial or decisive role in a situation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant 'Zhong' (重) weighing down a scale, tipping it to highlight something 'Yao' (要) that is crucial. Picture a heavy weight representing something of great importance, making it easy to remember that 重要 means important.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 重要 with the similar-sounding 主要 (zhǔyào), which means 'main' or 'primary.' In formal contexts, it’s often used to emphasize the significance of a topic, while in informal conversations, it can be used more casually. Remember to use the correct tone for both characters.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 重要 connects well with other adjectives that describe qualities or states, such as 好 (hǎo, good) or 大 (dà, big). Focus on using it in sentences that require prioritization or emphasize importance, enhancing vocabulary related to opinion and evaluation.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of importance often extends to relationships and social harmony, where being considerate of what is deemed 重要 in interactions can affect personal and professional relationships significantly.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 重要 to mean 'urgent' when they should use 紧急 (jǐnjí). For example, saying '这个问题很重要' (Zhège wèntí hěn zhòngyào) when they mean 'This issue is urgent' is incorrect; they should use '紧急' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 重要
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Grammar Patterns of 重要
重要 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
It is important that food be breaded just minutes before frying.
Cultural Notes for 重要
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of importance often extends to relationships and social harmony, where being considerate of what is deemed 重要 in interactions can affect personal and professional relationships significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions about 重要
You can say '这个问题很重要' (Zhège wèntí hěn zhòngyào), which means 'This issue is very important.'
Yes, you can describe a person as 重要 in terms of their role or influence, for example, '他是一个重要的人' (Tā shì yīgè zhòngyào de rén), meaning 'He is an important person.'
