Chinese Conversation · Level 56
90 words
Chinese word
关键
Pronunciation
Pinyinguān jiàn
Meaning
- nounkey
Example
经验是胜利的关键。jīng yàn shì shèng lì de guān jiàn
Experience is the key to victory.
More examples
项目成功的关键在于团队合作。xiàng mù chéng gōng de guān jiàn zài yú tuán duì hé zuò
The key to the project's success lies in teamwork.
Core concept
The central point that can steer a matter toward success or failure.
Common phrases
关键在于guān jiàn zài yú
the key lies in
关键因素guān jiàn yīn sù
key factor
关键作用guān jiàn zuò yòng
key role
Similar words
核心hé xīn: The central and essential part that supports or holds an entire matter together.
要点yào diǎn: A particularly important point in a speech, discussion, or piece of writing.
重点zhòng diǎn: A part that receives special attention, focus, or effort.
中心zhōng xīn: The central position or part around which a matter is organized.
Definition in Chinese
决定事情走向或成败的核心因素或环节。jué dìng shì qíng zǒu xiàng huò chéng bài de hé xīn yīn sù huò huán jié
Word origin
The compound 关 (guān, "gate") + 键 (jiàn, "key") evokes a point that controls passage and therefore an outcome.
Usage tips
- In conversation, 关键在于 (guānjiàn zàiyú, "the key lies in") introduces the reason or condition that determines the result.
Other meanings
- factornoun
- corenoun
Opposites
- 细节xì jiédetailnoun
Related words
- 关键性guān jiàn xìngdecisivenessnoun
- 关键点guān jiàn diǎnkey pointnoun