Meanings of 核心
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Podcast: 核心
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AI Study Notes for 核心
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.
'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.
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.
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.'
Pronunciation of 核心
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Component Characters
How to say core in Chinese
“core” in Chinese is核心
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.
When to use 核心
'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.
核心 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.'
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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.
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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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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.)
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