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重中之重 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
重中之重zhòngzhōngzhīzhòngof the utmost importanceHSK 7, unknown, 25 strokes, rank #31733, Very Hard
重中之重zhòngzhōngzhīzhòngof highest priorityHSK 7, unknown, 25 strokes, rank #31733, Very Hard
zhòngzhōngzhīzhòng(zhong4zhong1zhi1zhong4)zhong zhong zhi zhong T4
  1. 1of the utmost importance
  2. 2of highest priority
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March 24, 2026

重中之重zhòngzhōngzhīzhòng(zhong4zhong1zhi1zhong4)

The idiom 重中之重 (zhòng zhòng zhī zhòng) refers to something that is of the utmost importance or highest priority among other important matters. It is often used in contexts where multiple tasks or issues are present, emphasizing which one must be addressed first or is most critical.

Strokes25Frequency#31733DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, prioritizing tasks effectively is often linked to the concept of '要事第一' (putting important matters first), reflecting a pragmatic approach to both personal and professional life. This idiom captures that essence, highlighting the significance of focusing on what truly matters.

Memory Tip

Imagine a heavy weight (重) sitting on top of another heavy weight (中), with a spotlight shining down on it (之重). This image reinforces the idea that among many heavy weights, one stands out as the most significant, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 重中之重

zhòngzhōngzhīzhòng(zhong4zhong1zhi1zhong4)
1of the utmost importance
2of highest priority
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About 重中之重

重中之重Simplified
25Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

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AI Study Notes for 重中之重

Usage Notes

This idiom is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's particularly common in discussions about priorities in business or personal life. Be careful not to overuse it; it should only apply to truly critical matters. A common collocation is '重中之重的任务' (the task of utmost importance).

HSK Study Tips

While this idiom is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it can be useful for learners at the advanced levels (HSK 5 and above) as it encapsulates complex ideas succinctly. Focus on understanding its usage in context, especially in written and spoken Chinese discussions about priorities.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse this idiom with similar phrases like '重视' (to value) or '重要' (important), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这个任务是重视的' (This task is valued) instead of '这个任务是重中之重的' is incorrect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 重中之重

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Idiom Spotlight: 重中之重

Chengyu Origin Story
Literal meaning:heavy middle of heavy

Component Characters

重zhòngheavy
HSK 49 strokes里
View full entry
中zhōngmiddle
HSK 34 strokes丨
View full entry
之zhī(possessive particle, literary equivalent of 的[de])
HSK 43 strokes丿
View full entry
重zhòngheavy
HSK 49 strokes里
View full entry

How to say of the utmost importance in Chinese

“of the utmost importance” in Chinese is重中之重zhòngzhōngzhīzhòng

The idiom 重中之重 (zhòng zhòng zhī zhòng) refers to something that is of the utmost importance or highest priority among other important matters. It is often used in contexts where multiple tasks or issues are present, emphasizing which one must be addressed first or is most critical.

When to use 重中之重

This idiom is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's particularly common in discussions about priorities in business or personal life. Be careful not to overuse it; it should only apply to truly critical matters. A common collocation is '重中之重的任务' (the task of utmost importance).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse this idiom with similar phrases like '重视' (to value) or '重要' (important), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这个任务是重视的' (This task is valued) instead of '这个任务是重中之重的' is incorrect.

Write 重中之重

重
中
之
重

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Frequently Asked Questions about 重中之重

Yes, it's appropriate in casual conversation, especially when discussing priorities, but ensure the context genuinely warrants it.

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