关键

Etymology & Components

The Chinese word 关键 (guān jiàn) is composed of two characters: 关键 (guān) and 键 (jiàn). The character 关键 (guān) means "important" or "crucial", while the character 键 (jiàn) means "key" or "lock". Together, the two characters 关键 (guān jiàn) mean "key point" or "crucial moment".The word 关键 (guān jiàn) is often used in a figurative sense to refer to the most important or decisive factor in a situation. For example, in the sentence "抓住关键，就能取得胜利" (zhù zháo guān jiàn, jiù néng qǔ dé shèng lì), the word 关键 (guān jiàn) refers to the key factor that will lead to victory.The word 关键 (guān jiàn) can also be used in a more literal sense to refer to a physical key or lock. For example, in the sentence "请把钥匙给我，我要开门" (qǐng bǎ yào shi gěi wǒ, wǒ yào kāi mén), the word 关键 (guān jiàn) refers to the key that is needed to open the door.The word 关键 (guān jiàn) is a common word in Chinese and is used in a variety of contexts. It is an important word to know for HSK learners, as it is used in many everyday expressions.