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March 24, 2026
核心héxīn(he2xin1)
The term '核心' (héxīn) refers to the core or nucleus of something, often used to describe the central or most important part of an idea, organization, or physical object. It can be applied in various contexts, such as discussing the core values of a company or the nucleus of a cell in biology.
Frequency#5575DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '核心' is often tied to the philosophy of centrality in governance and relationships, emphasizing the importance of having strong core values or principles in both personal and societal contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large tree with a thick trunk at its center, representing the '核心' (héxīn). The trunk is surrounded by branches and leaves, but all life depends on that central core. The 'he' sounds like 'he' in 'hearty', suggesting something vital, while 'xin' sounds like 'sin', reminding you that the core is where important things are hidden.
Meanings of 核心
héxīn(he2xin1)
1core
2nucleus
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 核心
核心Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5575Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 核心
Podcast: 核心
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AI Study Notes for 核心
Quick Contrast
关键 (guānjiàn) vs 核心 (héxīn): Use '关键' for critical points or keys to success, while '核心' emphasizes the central or most important part.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large tree with a thick trunk at its center, representing the '核心' (héxīn). The trunk is surrounded by branches and leaves, but all life depends on that central core. The 'he' sounds like 'he' in 'hearty', suggesting something vital, while 'xin' sounds like 'sin', reminding you that the core is where important things are hidden.
Usage Notes
'核心' is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its application in casual conversation as it may come off as overly academic. Common collocations include '核心价值' (core values) and '核心竞争力' (core competitiveness). Make sure to pronounce the second tone correctly to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, '核心' connects with other vocabulary related to centrality and importance, such as '中心' (zhōngxīn, center) and '要素' (yàosù, element). Students should focus on using it in different contexts to reinforce its meaning and learn how it fits into discussions about structure and significance.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '核心' is often tied to the philosophy of centrality in governance and relationships, emphasizing the importance of having strong core values or principles in both personal and societal contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '核心' with '中心' (zhōngxīn) and use them interchangeably, but '核心' emphasizes importance whereas '中心' is more about location. A wrong example would be saying '他是公司的中心.' (He is the center of the company.) instead of the more precise '他是公司的核心.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 核心
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Grammar Patterns of 核心
核心 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 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
批评家们可能会认为小说的____比喻过于简单。
Critics may complain that the novel's central conceit is rather simplistic.
Example Sentences for 核心 (6)
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1
批评家们可能会认为小说的核心比喻过于简单。
pī píng jiā mén kě néng huì rèn wéi xiǎo shuō de hé xīn bǐ yù guò yú jiǎn dān。
Critics may complain that the novel's central conceit is rather simplistic.
2
非暴力和忍耐是他们的信仰的核心原则。
fēi bào lì hé rěn nài shì tā mén de xìn yǎng de hé xīn yuán zé。
Non-violence and patience are the central tenets of their faith.
3
首相主持了一次核心内阁会议。
shǒu xiāng zhǔ chí le yī cì hé xīn nèi gé huì yì。
The PM presided over a meeting of his inner Cabinet.
4
现在我们谈到了争论的核心部分。
xiàn zài wǒ mén tán dào le zhēng lùn de hé xīn bù fēn。
Here we reach the nub of the argument.
5
这首诗是对她许多著作的核心主题的概括。
zhè shǒu shī shì duì tā xǔ duō zhù zuò de hé xīn zhǔ tí de gài kuò。
The poem encapsulates many of the central themes of her writing.
Objective : To generalize the biological function of hepatitis C Virus ( HCV ) core protein.
Cultural Notes for 核心
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of '核心' is often tied to the philosophy of centrality in governance and relationships, emphasizing the importance of having strong core values or principles in both personal and societal contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 核心
You can say, '公司的核心价值是诚信.' (The core value of the company is integrity.)
No, while it is common in formal writing, it can also be used in everyday conversation to emphasize central ideas.
'核心' refers more to the essential or most important part, while '中心' generally denotes the physical center of something.
