Meanings of 举足轻重
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AI Study Notes for 举足轻重
关键 (guānjiàn) vs 重要 (zhòngyào) — choose 举足轻重 when emphasizing the decisive impact of an action, while 关键 indicates a critical point or factor without the same nuance of influence.
This idiom is typically used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about politics, business, or leadership. A common mistake is to use it in casual conversations where simpler expressions would suffice. Pay attention to the tones; mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning entirely.
As an HSK 6 level idiom, students should focus on understanding its application in complex sentences and contexts. It connects with other idioms that express influence or critical roles, so learners should also explore related phrases to enhance their vocabulary.
Learners often confuse this idiom with similar expressions like 关键 (guān jiàn), which means 'key' or 'critical,' but lacks the nuance of influence. For example, saying '他在公司中是一个关键' instead of '他在公司中举足轻重' misses the idiomatic meaning of having an influential role.
Pronunciation of 举足轻重
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Idiom Spotlight: 举足轻重
Component Characters
How to say a foot's move sways the balance (idiom); to hold the balance of power in Chinese
“a foot's move sways the balance (idiom); to hold the balance of power” in Chinese is举足轻重
The idiom 举足轻重 (jǔ zú qīng zhòng) means to play a critical or decisive role in a situation, much like how a slight movement of a foot can sway the balance. It is commonly used in contexts related to leadership, influence, and decision-making where one's actions have significant consequences. This phrase emphasizes the importance of a person's position or actions in shaping outcomes.
When to use 举足轻重
This idiom is typically used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about politics, business, or leadership. A common mistake is to use it in casual conversations where simpler expressions would suffice. Pay attention to the tones; mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning entirely.
举足轻重 or something close to it
关键 (guānjiàn) vs 重要 (zhòngyào) — choose 举足轻重 when emphasizing the decisive impact of an action, while 关键 indicates a critical point or factor without the same nuance of influence.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse this idiom with similar expressions like 关键 (guān jiàn), which means 'key' or 'critical,' but lacks the nuance of influence. For example, saying '他在公司中是一个关键' instead of '他在公司中举足轻重' misses the idiomatic meaning of having an influential role.
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Grammar Patterns of 举足轻重
举足轻重 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. It carries 4 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.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
杰克逊是1988年总统选举中____的权力经纪人。
Jackson had been a major power-broker in the 1988 Presidential elections.
Example Sentences for 举足轻重 (1)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 举足轻重
It's better suited for individuals in influential positions; using it for newcomers may not convey the intended weight.
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