B2 Expression Formal 2 min de lectura

至关重要

Crucial; vital

Literalmente: 至 (To the extreme) 关 (juncture/gate) 重要 (important)

Use it to highlight the single most critical factor in a serious situation.

En 15 segundos

  • The 'make or break' level of importance.
  • Used for high-stakes decisions and critical factors.
  • Sounds professional, educated, and very decisive.

Significado

This phrase is like saying something is the 'make or break' factor. It describes something so essential that the entire outcome depends on it.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

In a high-stakes business meeting

这次合作对公司的未来至关重要。

This partnership is vital to the company's future.

💼
2

Giving serious life advice to a friend

保持健康的心态对你来说至关重要。

Maintaining a healthy mindset is crucial for you.

🤝
3

Discussing a scientific experiment

实验数据的准确性至关重要。

The accuracy of the experimental data is of paramount importance.

👔
🌍

Contexto cultural

This expression is a common 'chengyu' or four-character idiom. It reflects the Chinese linguistic preference for balanced, rhythmic structures to convey serious concepts. It is a staple in news broadcasts, academic papers, and high-level business negotiations.

💡

The 'Is' Rule

You don't always need '是' (shì) before it if you use it as an adjective. `至关重要的决定` (A vital decision) is a very common and natural structure.

⚠️

Don't Overdo It

If you use this for every small thing, like choosing a pizza topping, you'll sound like you're in a soap opera. Save it for the big stuff!

En 15 segundos

  • The 'make or break' level of importance.
  • Used for high-stakes decisions and critical factors.
  • Sounds professional, educated, and very decisive.

What It Means

Think of 至关重要 as the ultimate version of 'important.' It is not just a 'nice to have.' It is the keystone of an arch. If you remove it, everything crashes down. In English, we might say it is 'pivotal' or 'of paramount importance.' It suggests a turning point or a critical factor.

How To Use It

You usually place it after the thing you are describing. You can say [Something] 至关重要. You can also use it to modify a noun, like 至关重要的因素 (a vital factor). It sounds very polished and decisive. It shows you have a firm grasp of the situation.

When To Use It

Use this when the stakes are high. Use it in a job interview to describe your top skill. Use it in a business meeting when discussing a deadline. You can even use it with friends for serious life advice. It tells people, 'Hey, pay attention to this specific part.' It works great in emails when you need a professional tone.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this for trivial, everyday choices. Don't use it to decide between spicy or soy sauce for your dumplings. If you use it for small things, you will sound like a drama queen. It is too heavy for choosing a movie or a shirt color. Keep it for things that actually matter in the long run.

Cultural Background

This phrase feels very 'standard' and authoritative. It draws from classical Chinese structures where means 'reaching the limit.' In Chinese culture, being clear about priorities is highly valued. Using four-character idioms (chengyu) like this shows you are educated. It gives your argument more weight and respectability.

Common Variations

If you want to sound even more intense, try 生死攸关. That means 'a matter of life and death.' If you want to be a bit simpler, just use 非常重要. But 至关重要 is that perfect middle ground. It is sophisticated without being overly poetic or archaic. It is the 'goldilocks' of emphasizing importance.

Notas de uso

This is a formal to neutral expression. It is most effective when used to highlight a single, critical element in a discussion or argument.

💡

The 'Is' Rule

You don't always need '是' (shì) before it if you use it as an adjective. `至关重要的决定` (A vital decision) is a very common and natural structure.

⚠️

Don't Overdo It

If you use this for every small thing, like choosing a pizza topping, you'll sound like you're in a soap opera. Save it for the big stuff!

💬

The Power of Four

Chinese people love four-character idioms (chengyu). Using `至关重要` instead of `非常重要` instantly makes you sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.

Ejemplos

6
#1 In a high-stakes business meeting
💼

这次合作对公司的未来至关重要。

This partnership is vital to the company's future.

Here it emphasizes that the company's survival or growth depends on this deal.

#2 Giving serious life advice to a friend
🤝

保持健康的心态对你来说至关重要。

Maintaining a healthy mindset is crucial for you.

Using this phrase shows the speaker is deeply concerned and serious.

#3 Discussing a scientific experiment
👔

实验数据的准确性至关重要。

The accuracy of the experimental data is of paramount importance.

It highlights that without accuracy, the whole experiment is useless.

#4 Texting a friend about a lost passport
💭

你的护照至关重要,千万别弄丢了!

Your passport is vital, don't you dare lose it!

Even in a text, it adds a layer of urgency and gravity.

#5 Humorous exaggeration about coffee
😄

早上的这杯咖啡对我至关重要。

This morning cup of coffee is absolutely vital to me.

The formality of the phrase makes the obsession with coffee funny.

#6 A teacher talking to students before an exam
💼

仔细审题是至关重要的。

Reading the questions carefully is crucial.

It points out the most important strategy for success.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the best word to emphasize that trust is the most important part of a friendship.

在友谊中,信任是___的。

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 至关重要

`至关重要` perfectly captures the essential nature of trust in a relationship.

Complete the sentence regarding a critical project deadline.

这个截止日期对我们项目___。

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 至关重要

A deadline is a serious matter, so `至关重要` is the most appropriate formal choice.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of 'Importance' Phrases

Informal

Used for daily chores or small things.

挺重要的 (Tǐng zhòngyào de)

Neutral

Standard way to say something is important.

非常重要 (Fēicháng zhòngyào)

Formal

Professional, serious, and decisive.

至关重要 (Zhìguān zhòngyào)

Very Formal

Extreme urgency, often life or death.

生死攸关 (Shēngsǐ yōuguān)

When to use 至关重要

至关重要
💼

Job Interview

Highlighting a key skill.

🏥

Medical Context

Discussing a critical surgery.

📜

Legal/Contracts

A pivotal clause in a deal.

❤️

Deep Relationships

Discussing core values.

🎓

Academic Research

The main thesis point.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Not at all! While common in business, you can use it for anything truly important, like 健康至关重要 (Health is vital).

Yes, you can say 他在这个团队中至关重要 (He is vital to this team). It means the team can't function without him.

非常重要 is just 'very important.' 至关重要 implies that it is the *key* factor that determines success or failure.

Yes, but only if the topic is serious. If you're talking about a lost key or a big secret, it fits perfectly.

No, it's very modern and used every day in news, speeches, and professional settings.

Only if you're being funny or if you're a chef talking about a 'vital ingredient' like 火候至关重要 (The heat control is vital).

Focus on the fourth tone of (zhì). It should sound sharp and decisive, matching the meaning of the word.

Technically yes, but it's rare. People usually just say 不重要 or 无关紧要 if something doesn't matter.

Yes, it is a four-character idiom, which is why it carries a more formal and sophisticated 'flavor' than simple words.

The word 因素 (yīnsù - factor) is its best friend. You will often hear 至关重要的因素.

Frases relacionadas

极其重要 (Extremely important)

生死攸关 (Life or death matter)

举足轻重 (To hold the balance of power/be influential)

必不可少 (Absolutely necessary/indispensable)

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