尤为重要
Particularly important
Literally: Especially (尤为) + Important (重要)
Use it to spotlight the single most crucial factor among many others in a formal or serious context.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to highlight the most critical point in a context.
- More sophisticated and precise than just saying 'very important'.
- Perfect for professional settings, advice, and formal writing.
Meaning
It's like putting a giant neon spotlight on one specific thing. It means something isn't just important, but it is the 'VIP' of importance compared to everything else in that context.
Key Examples
3 of 6Giving advice on a job interview
面试时，第一印象尤为重要。
During an interview, the first impression is particularly important.
Discussing health with a friend
生病的时候，休息尤为重要。
When you are sick, rest is particularly important.
A manager setting priorities in a meeting
在这个项目中，团队合作尤为重要。
In this project, teamwork is particularly important.
Cultural Background
The phrase draws from classical Chinese grammar where '尤' served as a superlative. In modern China, it is frequently used in 'Work Reports' and academic settings to signal key priorities. It reflects the cultural emphasis on identifying the 'core' (核心) of any issue or situation.
The 'Comparison' Secret
Use this phrase when you've already mentioned other things. It works best when it singles out one item from a list of many.
Don't Overuse It
If everything is '尤为重要', then nothing is. Save it for the actual deal-breakers to keep its impact strong.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to highlight the most critical point in a context.
- More sophisticated and precise than just saying 'very important'.
- Perfect for professional settings, advice, and formal writing.
What It Means
Think of 尤为重要 as the upgraded version of 'very important.' It’s that extra layer of emphasis you use when you want to say, 'Hey, pay attention to this specific part!' It suggests a comparison. Out of all the things we are talking about, this one is the most critical. It’s the difference between saying 'water is important' and 'water is particularly important in a desert.'
How To Use It
You usually place it at the end of a sentence or after a specific condition. It often follows a comma. For example, you might list a few requirements and then drop 尤为重要 to highlight the dealbreaker. It sounds polished and thoughtful. You can use it to describe qualities, steps in a process, or even people’s roles. It’s like the 'bold' button for your spoken or written Chinese.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound professional or persuasive. It’s perfect for business meetings when discussing a strategy. It also works great when giving heartfelt advice to a friend. If you are writing an essay or a formal email, this phrase is your best friend. It shows you have a good grasp of nuanced vocabulary. It’s great for texting when the stakes are high, like confirming a meeting time.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, trivial things unless you are being funny. If you say 'Choosing a cereal is 尤为重要,' people might think you are a bit dramatic. It’s a 'heavy' phrase. Avoid using it in extremely casual slang-filled conversations with teenagers. It might make you sound like a textbook or a news anchor. Also, don't use it if there isn't a context of comparison.
Cultural Background
The character 尤 (yóu) has roots in classical Chinese meaning 'outstanding' or 'more.' Combining it with 为 (wéi) creates a formal adverb for 'especially.' Chinese culture values precision and hierarchy in communication. Using 尤为重要 reflects this by clearly ranking priorities. It’s a phrase that has transitioned from formal literature into standard modern speech. It carries a sense of authority and wisdom.
Common Variations
You might also hear 格外重要 (géwài zhòngyào), which feels a bit more 'extra' or 'special.' Then there is 至关重要 (zhìguān zhòngyào), which is even stronger, meaning 'crucial' or 'vital.' If you want to keep it simple, 非常重要 (fēicháng zhòngyào) is the standard 'very important.' But 尤为重要 hits that sweet spot of being sophisticated without being overly stiff.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits in the 'Formal' to 'Neutral' register. It is safe to use in any professional setting, but might feel slightly heavy in very casual, lighthearted banter.
The 'Comparison' Secret
Use this phrase when you've already mentioned other things. It works best when it singles out one item from a list of many.
Don't Overuse It
If everything is '尤为重要', then nothing is. Save it for the actual deal-breakers to keep its impact strong.
The 'You' Factor
In Chinese culture, using more formal phrases like this when giving advice shows you respect the listener and take their situation seriously.
Examples
6面试时，第一印象尤为重要。
During an interview, the first impression is particularly important.
Highlights the 'first impression' as the most critical factor of the interview.
生病的时候，休息尤为重要。
When you are sick, rest is particularly important.
Emphasizes rest over other things like medicine or diet.
在这个项目中，团队合作尤为重要。
In this project, teamwork is particularly important.
Sets a clear priority for the staff to follow.
这件事千万别告诉别人，保密尤为重要。
Don't tell anyone about this; keeping it a secret is particularly important.
Adds weight to the request for secrecy.
吃火锅时，准备好冰牛奶尤为重要。
When eating hot pot, having cold milk ready is particularly important.
Uses a formal phrase for a relatable, funny situation.
现在，你的支持对我来说尤为重要。
Right now, your support is particularly important to me.
Conveys deep sincerity and emotional reliance.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to emphasize that safety is the top priority during a trip.
出门旅游，安全___。
`尤为重要` correctly emphasizes that safety is the most critical aspect of traveling.
Complete the sentence to show that details matter in a design project.
做设计时，细节的把握___。
In design, 'mastering the details' is a key priority, making `尤为重要` the perfect fit.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Importance'
Used with close friends for basic needs.
很重要 (Hěn zhòngyào)
Standard daily communication.
非常重要 (Fēicháng zhòngyào)
Professional advice or highlighting priorities.
尤为重要 (Yóuwéi zhòngyào)
Critical, life-or-death, or high-level policy.
至关重要 (Zhìguān zhòngyào)
When to use '尤为重要'
Business Strategy
Market research is key.
Sincere Advice
Health comes first.
Academic Writing
The conclusion is vital.
Setting Rules
Punctuality is a must.
Cooking Tips
Freshness is everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsIt means 'particularly important' or 'especially significant.' It is used to highlight one specific thing as being more important than others in the same context.
Yes, 很重要 is just 'very important.' 尤为重要 adds a comparative 'especially' that makes it sound more precise and professional.
Absolutely! It works well when you want to emphasize a specific point to a friend or colleague, like 时间尤为重要 (Time is particularly important).
It might be a bit stiff unless you are talking about something serious, like 诚实尤为重要 (Honesty is particularly important). Use it sparingly there.
Yes! You can say 尤为突出 (particularly prominent) or 尤为明显 (particularly obvious). It’s a versatile adverb for 'especially.'
People sometimes forget the context. It sounds best when you are contrasting one important thing against other less important things.
It is common in textbooks, but native speakers use it frequently in professional and serious daily conversations too.
It's pronounced 'Yóuwéi zhòngyào.' Note the second tone on 'Yóu' and 'wéi,' and the fourth tones on 'zhòng' and 'yào.'
Not really. You could just say 很重要, but you lose the 'especially' nuance that 尤为 provides.
It's rare. It usually follows a noun or a clause, like 对学生来说，睡眠尤为重要 (For students, sleep is particularly important).
It's very common in both, but it definitely shines in written reports, emails, and prepared speeches.
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