强调 (qiángdiào)

强调 means to emphasize or stress something, drawing special attention to it in speech or writing. It is commonly used in formal settings such as meetings, reports, and academic papers, but also appears in everyday conversation when a speaker wants to underline an important point.

Meanings

[verb] To emphasize; to stress; to underline the importance of.

Example Sentences

老师反复强调考试时要注意审题。 Lǎoshī fǎnfù qiángdiào kǎoshì shí yào zhùyì shěntí. The teacher repeatedly emphasized reading the exam questions carefully.

领导在会议上强调了团队合作的重要性。 Lǐngdǎo zài huìyì shàng qiángdiào le tuánduì hézuò de zhòngyào xìng. The leader stressed the importance of teamwork at the meeting.

报告特别强调需要保护环境，减少污染。 Bàogào tèbié qiángdiào xūyào bǎohù huánjìng, jiǎnshǎo wūrǎn. The report particularly emphasized the need to protect the environment and reduce pollution.

他强调，任何决定都必须基于充分的数据分析。 Tā qiángdiào, rènhé juédìng dōu bìxū jīyú chōngfèn de shùjù fēnxī. He stressed that any decision must be based on thorough data analysis.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
再次强调	emphasize again
反复强调	repeatedly stress
特别强调	especially emphasize
强调重要性	stress the importance of
强调指出	emphasize and point out

Usage Notes

强调 is typically a transitive verb and is followed directly by a noun clause or a noun phrase. A common construction is 强调 + 的重要性: 他强调了安全的重要性 (He emphasized the importance of safety). In formal writing, 着重强调 (zhuózhòng qiángdiào) adds extra intensity, meaning "to place special emphasis on."

Memory Hook

强 means "strong" and 调 means "tone/pitch." When you raise your voice and use a strong tone, you are emphasizing — that is 强调 in action.