Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
至关重要 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
至关重要zhìguānzhòngyàoextremely importantHSK 6, unknown, 30 strokes, rank #7193, Hard
至关重要zhìguānzhòngyàovitalHSK 6, unknown, 30 strokes, rank #7193, Hard
至关重要zhìguānzhòngyàocrucialHSK 6, unknown, 30 strokes, rank #7193, Hard
至关重要zhìguānzhòngyàoessentialHSK 6, unknown, 30 strokes, rank #7193, Hard
zhìguānzhòngyào(zhi4guan1zhong4yao4)zhi guan zhong yao T4
  1. 1extremely important
  2. 2vital
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

至关重要(至關重要)zhìguānzhòngyào(zhi4guan1zhong4yao4)

至关重要 is an idiom that means 'extremely important' or 'crucial.' It is often used to emphasize the significance of something in a particular context, such as decision-making or planning. In conversations, it underscores the necessity of an action or element for achieving a desired outcome.

Strokes30Frequency#7193DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of importance is often linked to harmony and balance; emphasizing something as 至关重要 reflects a deep understanding of priorities in both personal and professional settings.

Memory tip

Imagine a gate ('至') that only opens when you show the importance ('重要') of what lies beyond. The '关' component can be visualized as a gate closing tightly around something essential, while '重要' suggests that what is inside is vital for your journey, linking the sound 'zhi' to the gate's significance.

Meanings of 至关重要

zhìguānzhòngyào(zhi4guan1zhong4yao4)
1extremely important
2vital
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 至关重要 means.

About 至关重要

至关重要Simplified
至關重要Traditional
30Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

Podcast: 至关重要

JasonAmy

Podcast: 至关重要

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 至关重要

Quick Contrast

关键 (guānjiàn) vs 重要 (zhòngyào) — choose 至关重要 when emphasizing extreme necessity, while 关键 indicates something that is critical but not necessarily as urgent.

Usage Notes

This idiom is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in written language. A common mistake is to use it in a casual setting where simpler terms would suffice. Be cautious of using the correct tones: '至' (4th tone) and '关' (1st tone) are crucial for correct pronunciation.

HSK Study Tips

While there is no specific HSK level assigned, this idiom is relevant for advanced learners aiming to express complex ideas. It connects well with other phrases indicating importance, like 重要 (important) or 必要 (necessary), which students should practice in different contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse this idiom with other phrases like 关键 (crucial) or 重要 (important), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这件事非常重要' instead of '这件事至关重要' can understate the urgency.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 至关重要

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 至关重要, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 至关重要 to you

Let me explain 至关重要 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 至关重要 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 至关重要?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 至关重要 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Idiom spotlight: 至关重要

Chengyu origin story
Literal meaning:to reach concern important

Component characters

至zhìto arrive
HSK 56 strokes至
View full entry
关guānto close
HSK 36 strokes丷
View full entry
重zhòngheavy
HSK 49 strokes里
View full entry
要yàoto want
HSK 19 strokes覀
View full entry

How to say extremely important in Chinese

“extremely important” in Chinese is至关重要zhìguānzhòngyào

至关重要 is an idiom that means 'extremely important' or 'crucial.' It is often used to emphasize the significance of something in a particular context, such as decision-making or planning. In conversations, it underscores the necessity of an action or element for achieving a desired outcome.

When to use 至关重要

This idiom is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in written language. A common mistake is to use it in a casual setting where simpler terms would suffice. Be cautious of using the correct tones: '至' (4th tone) and '关' (1st tone) are crucial for correct pronunciation.

至关重要 or something close to it

关键 (guānjiàn) vs 重要 (zhòngyào) — choose 至关重要 when emphasizing extreme necessity, while 关键 indicates something that is critical but not necessarily as urgent.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse this idiom with other phrases like 关键 (crucial) or 重要 (important), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这件事非常重要' instead of '这件事至关重要' can understate the urgency.

Write 至关重要

至
关
重
要

Practice writing 至关重要 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 至关重要?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 至关重要

While it's not incorrect, using simpler terms might be more appropriate. For everyday speech, consider alternatives like '很重要' (very important).

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 至关重要?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab