关键是...
The key is...
直訳: Key is...
Use `关键是` whenever you need to highlight the single most important part of your message.
15秒でわかる
- Used to identify the most important factor or deciding point.
- Functions like 'the key is' or 'the bottom line is'.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual chats with friends.
意味
This phrase is used to cut through the noise and point out the most important factor in any situation. It's like saying 'Look, here is the bottom line' or 'The real issue is...'
主な例文
3 / 6Discussing a new job offer
工资不错，但关键是离家太远了。
The salary is good, but the key is it's too far from home.
In a business meeting
关键是我们要如何提高效率。
The key is how we are going to improve efficiency.
Texting a friend about a party
去不去不重要，关键是有没有好吃的。
Whether we go or not doesn't matter; the key is if there's good food.
文化的背景
The term 'Guanjian' originally referred to the essential parts of a gate's locking mechanism. In modern China, this phrase reflects a cultural shift toward efficiency and 'straight-talk' in professional environments. It is frequently used by leaders and influencers to command attention during speeches.
The 'But' Partner
This phrase loves to follow `但是` (dànshì). Pairing them up—'But the key is...'—makes you sound very logical and persuasive.
Don't Overuse
If every sentence starts with `关键是`, you'll sound like a bossy manager. Save it for the points that actually matter!
15秒でわかる
- Used to identify the most important factor or deciding point.
- Functions like 'the key is' or 'the bottom line is'.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual chats with friends.
What It Means
关键是 (guānjiàn shì) is your ultimate shortcut to clarity. The word 关键 literally means a 'door bolt' or 'hinge.' Just as a hinge holds a door together, this phrase holds your argument together. You use it when you want to stop rambling and highlight the one thing that actually matters. It is the verbal equivalent of a highlighter pen.
How To Use It
Using it is incredibly simple. Just drop it at the start of a sentence or after a comma. You usually state a problem or a situation first. Then, you follow up with 关键是 to reveal the solution or the main obstacle. For example: 'I want to buy a car, but 关键是 I have no money.' It works exactly like the English phrase 'the thing is...'
When To Use It
You can use this in almost any scenario. Use it at work to sound decisive during meetings. Use it with friends when debating where to eat dinner. It’s perfect for texting when you want to be direct. It helps you sound like someone who knows how to prioritize. It’s a great way to pivot a conversation back to the main point.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid overusing it in very poetic or flowery writing. It’s a bit too 'matter-of-fact' for a love poem. Also, don't use it if you aren't actually going to provide a key point. If you say 关键是 and then follow up with something trivial, you’ll confuse people. It carries weight, so make sure your next words deserve that weight.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, being direct can sometimes be tricky. However, 关键是 provides a polite but firm way to be assertive. It shows you are thinking logically and practically. In a fast-paced society like modern China, people value getting to the point quickly. This phrase has become a staple in business and daily problem-solving.
Common Variations
You might hear 重点是 (zhòngdiǎn shì), which means 'the point is.' They are very similar, but 关键 feels more like the 'deciding factor.' You might also hear 问题的核心是 in very formal academic settings. For a more casual vibe, some people just say 关键在于 (the key lies in). Stick with 关键是 for the most versatility.
使い方のコツ
Highly versatile across all registers. It is particularly effective in negotiations or debates to refocus the conversation.
The 'But' Partner
This phrase loves to follow `但是` (dànshì). Pairing them up—'But the key is...'—makes you sound very logical and persuasive.
Don't Overuse
If every sentence starts with `关键是`, you'll sound like a bossy manager. Save it for the points that actually matter!
The 'Boss' Vibe
In Chinese TV dramas, you'll notice CEOs use this constantly. It's a power move to define what is 'key' for everyone else.
例文
6工资不错，但关键是离家太远了。
The salary is good, but the key is it's too far from home.
Used to point out the deal-breaker in a decision.
关键是我们要如何提高效率。
The key is how we are going to improve efficiency.
Focuses the team on a specific goal.
去不去不重要，关键是有没有好吃的。
Whether we go or not doesn't matter; the key is if there's good food.
Humorously sets priorities on food.
关键是你得对自己好一点。
The key is that you need to be a bit kinder to yourself.
Used to offer sincere, focused emotional support.
关键是现在没有机票了。
The key issue is that there are no plane tickets left now.
Identifies the immediate practical obstacle.
代码很多，但关键是这一行出错了。
There's a lot of code, but the key is that this line has an error.
Narrows down a large problem to a single point.
自分をテスト
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about choosing a restaurant.
这家店菜很好吃，___ 老板不收信用卡。
The speaker is pointing out the 'key' problem (no credit cards) despite the food being good.
Complete the sentence to emphasize the main requirement for learning Chinese.
想学好中文，___ 要多练习。
This emphasizes that 'practice' is the most important factor in learning the language.
🎉 スコア： /2
ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality Spectrum of '关键是'
Used with friends to complain or decide on plans.
关键是我没钱！
Standard daily usage in shops or with colleagues.
关键是时间不够。
Used in presentations to highlight core strategy.
关键在于市场的变化。
When to drop '关键是'
Solving a Mystery
The key clue is...
Budgeting
The key cost is...
Relationship Talk
The key issue between us is...
Tech Support
The key bug is...
よくある質問
10 問Yes, it's very close! While 重点是 (The point is) focuses on emphasis, 关键是 suggests that the following information is the deciding factor or the 'key' to solving a puzzle.
Not really. It almost always precedes the information it's highlighting, like 关键是他在哪儿 (The key is where he is).
No, it's actually quite common in professional settings. It shows you are focused on results, which is generally respected.
Yes! In casual speech, you can say 这是关键 (This is the key) or just 关键就在这儿 (The key is right here).
主要是 means 'mainly.' Use it for a list of reasons. Use 关键是 for the single most vital reason that outweighs everything else.
Absolutely. It's common in emails, reports, and news articles to summarize a main argument.
Usually, you need some context first. You'd describe a situation, then say 关键是... to introduce your insight.
No, it's a standard, neutral expression. It's safe to use with your grandma or your CEO.
You can say 有两个关键点 (There are two key points), but usually, 关键是 implies one primary factor.
Put a slight stress on 关 (guān) and pause briefly after 是 (shì) for dramatic effect.
関連フレーズ
重点是
The point is / The focus is
核心问题是
The core issue is
主要是
Mainly / Primarily
说到底
Bottom line / When it comes down to it
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