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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.
Strokes19Frequency#1274DifficultyMedium
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
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 关键
关键Simplified
關鍵Traditional
19Strokes
—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.
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.
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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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.
When to use 关键
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.
关键 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 关键
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 5 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.
