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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "key" or "crucial" with 关键 (guānjiàn)

    Degree & Intensity
    Emphasis

    Structure

    关键 + 的 + Noun / 关键 + Noun

    Explanation

    关键 (guānjiàn) means "key," "crucial," or "critical" and can function as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun it means "the key point" or "the crux," and as a modifier it means "key" or "vital." It is used to highlight the most important element in a situation.

    Examples

    • 时间管理是成功的关键。

      Shíjiān guǎnlǐ shì chénggōng de guānjiàn.

      Time management is the key to success.

    • 这次考试的关键问题你都答对了吗？

      Zhè cì kǎoshì de guānjiàn wèntí nǐ dōu dá duì le ma?

      Did you answer all the key questions on this exam correctly?

    • 团队合作在这个项目中起了关键作用。

      Tuánduì hézuò zài zhège xiàngmù zhōng qǐ le guānjiàn zuòyòng.

      Teamwork played a key role in this project.

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    Expressing "key" or "crucial" with 关键 (guānjiàn) | Chinese Grammar