关键 (guānjiàn)

关键 refers to the key, decisive, or most critical element in a situation or problem, the factor whose presence or absence determines the outcome.

Meanings

[noun] key, crucial element, decisive factor
[adjective] key, critical, decisive (as in 关键时刻, critical moment)

Example Sentences

解决这一问题的关键在于找到各方利益的平衡点。 Jiějué zhè yī wèntí de guānjiàn zàiyú zhǎodào gè fāng lìyì de pínghéng diǎn. The key to solving this problem lies in finding the balance point of all parties' interests.

关键时刻，他保持了冷静，做出了正确的决定。 Guānjiàn shíkè, tā bǎochí le lěngjìng, zuòchū le zhèngquè de juédìng. At the critical moment, he remained calm and made the right decision.

人才是企业最关键的资产，没有之一。 Réncái shì qǐyè zuì guānjiàn de zīchǎn, méiyǒu zhī yī. Talent is the most crucial asset of an enterprise, without exception.

掌握关键数据是制定有效战略的前提。 Zhǎngwò guānjiàn shùjù shì zhìdìng yǒuxiào zhànlüè de qiántí. Mastering key data is a prerequisite for formulating effective strategies.

在这场谈判中，细节往往是决定成败的关键。 Zài zhè chǎng tánpàn zhōng, xìjié wǎngwǎng shì juédìng chéngbài de guānjiàn. In this negotiation, details are often the key that determines success or failure.

环境教育是培养下一代可持续发展意识的关键途径。 Huánjìng jiàoyù shì péiyǎng xià yī dài kě chíxù fāzhǎn yìshí de guānjiàn tújìng. Environmental education is the key pathway for cultivating the next generation's awareness of sustainable development.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
关键时刻	critical moment
关键因素	key factor
关键问题	key/critical issue
关键在于	the key lies in
至关重要	of crucial importance (set phrase)
关键技术	key technology

Usage Notes

关键 functions as both a noun (the key/crux) and an adjective (key, critical). The construction 关键在于 (the key lies in) is parallel to 核心在于, and both are used to identify the most important element of a situation. At a more colloquial level, 关键是 (the key thing is / what matters is) introduces the most important point in a statement.

Note that 至关重要 (of vital/crucial importance) is a fixed four-character expression derived from 关键 that is very common in formal writing.

Memory Hook

关 means a gate or pass (a strategic point), and 键 means a key -- 关键 is the key to the gate, the single item that opens or closes everything else.