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March 24, 2026
关键(關鍵)guānjiàn(guan1jian4)
The term 关键 (guān jiàn) refers to a crucial point or key element in a situation, discussion, or problem. It is often used to indicate something that is pivotal to understanding or resolving an issue.
Frequency#1274DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, understanding the 关键 in a discussion or negotiation is crucial as it reflects a person's analytical skills and ability to navigate complex situations, often valued in business and interpersonal relations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant key (jian) that opens a treasure chest of solutions. The word 关键 starts with ‘guan’ like ‘gone,’ suggesting that without this key point, your understanding of the problem may be gone.
Meanings of 关键
guānjiàn(guan1jian4)
1crucial point
2crux
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About 关键
关键Simplified
關鍵Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#1274Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 关键
Podcast: 关键
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AI Study Notes for 关键
Quick Contrast
关键 (guānjiàn) vs 重要 (zhòngyào) — use 关键 when emphasizing a crucial point that is essential for understanding, while 重要 highlights general significance.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant key (jian) that opens a treasure chest of solutions. The word 关键 starts with ‘guan’ like ‘gone,’ suggesting that without this key point, your understanding of the problem may be gone.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 关键 with similar terms like 重要 (zhòng yào), which means important but lacks the nuance of being a turning point. This term is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, often in discussions related to decisions or strategies.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 关键 connects to other words describing importance and necessity, such as 必要 (bì yào). Focus on using it in sentences where you're discussing what is essential or decisive in a situation.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, understanding the 关键 in a discussion or negotiation is crucial as it reflects a person's analytical skills and ability to navigate complex situations, often valued in business and interpersonal relations.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 关键 with similar terms like 重要 or 核心. For example, saying 这个问题不重要 (This issue is not important) instead of 这个问题的关键不明显 (The crux of this issue is not clear) misses the specific nuance of 关键.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 关键
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Grammar Patterns of 关键
关键 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 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.
The key issue was whether the four defendants acted dishonestly.
4
关键是奖学金有限。
guān jiàn shì jiǎng xué jīn yǒu xiàn。
The fact of the matter is that student finances are stretched.
5
看看这份失实的警方报告吧，它忽略或歪曲了关键的事实。
kàn kàn zhè fèn shī shí de jǐng fāng bào gào bā， ， tā hū lüè huò wāi qū le guān jiàn de shì。
Look at the false police reports that omitted or misstated crucial facts.
6
他成功的关键在于他擅长逻辑思维。
tā chéng gōng de guān jiàn zài yú tā shàn cháng luó jí sī wéi。
The key to his success is his logical mind.
7
即使重量仅有1克的二十分之几都可能是关键性的。
jí shǐ zhòng liáng jǐn yǒu1 1 kè de èr shí fēn zhī jī dū kě néng shì guān jiàn xìng。
A few twentieths of a gram can be critical.
8
他因为在几个关键问题上临场变卦而备受批评。
tā yīn wéi zài jī gè guān jiàn wèn tí shàng lín cháng biàn guà ér bèi shòu pī píng。
He has been criticized for flip-flopping on several key issues.
9
他的音乐缺少非常关键的那一点灵感。
tā de yīn lè quē shǎo fēi cháng guān jiàn de nà yī diǎn líng gǎn。
His music lacked that vital spark of imagination.
10
所有提交的文件必须真实且易于查证，这一点很关键。
suǒ yǒu tí jiāo de wén jiàn bì xū zhēn shí qiě yì yú chá zhèng， ， zhè yī diǎn hěn guān。
It is crucial that all documents presented are authentic and easily verifiable.
Cultural Notes for 关键
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, understanding the 关键 in a discussion or negotiation is crucial as it reflects a person's analytical skills and ability to navigate complex situations, often valued in business and interpersonal relations.
Frequently Asked Questions about 关键
You can say: 这个问题的关键是数据分析 (The crux of this issue is data analysis).
No, 关键 can be used in both formal and informal conversations, especially when discussing important topics.
Synonyms include 重要 (important) and 核心 (core), but 关键 has a more specific meaning related to pivotal points.
