核心 (héxīn) — core, nucleus

核心 (héxīn)

核心 refers to the central, most essential part or element of something, the nucleus around which everything else is organized or depends.

Meanings

1. [noun] core, nucleus, central element
2. [adjective] core, central, key (as in 核心概念, core concept)

Example Sentences

创新是推动经济发展的核心动力。 Chuàngxīn shì tuīdòng jīngjì fāzhǎn de héxīn dònglì. Innovation is the core driving force behind economic development.

以人为本是这项政策的核心理念。 Yǐ rén wéi běn shì zhè xiàng zhèngcè de héxīn lǐniàn. People-centered is the core concept of this policy.

这家公司的核心竞争力在于其独特的技术专利。 Zhè jiā gōngsī de héxīn jìngjēng lì zàiyú qí dútè de jìshù zhuānlì. This company's core competitiveness lies in its unique technology patents.

解决这个问题的核心在于改变思维方式。 Jiějué zhège wèntí de héxīn zàiyú gǎibiàn sīwéi fāngshì. The core of solving this problem lies in changing the way of thinking.

团队的核心成员是整个项目成功的关键。 Tuánduì de héxīn chéngyuán shì zhěnggè xiàngmù chénggōng de guānjiàn. The core members of the team are the key to the success of the entire project.

这门学科的核心是理解人类行为的内在动机。 Zhè mén xuékē de héxīn shì lǐjiě rénlèi xíngwéi de nèizài dòngji. The core of this discipline is understanding the intrinsic motivations behind human behavior.

Collocations

Usage Notes

核心 is both a noun and an adjective modifier, making it extremely versatile. As a noun, 核心在于 (the core/key lies in) is a common construction for identifying the most important aspect of something. As an adjective, it precedes important nouns: 核心技术 (core technology), 核心价值观 (core values). The phrase 以X为核心 (centered on X, with X as the core) is a standard construction in formal Chinese.

At B2 level, 核心 is indispensable for analytical writing and professional communication where identifying the central element is essential.

Memory Hook

核 is a kernel or pit (as in a fruit's core), and 心 is heart -- 核心 is the innermost heart-kernel, the seed at the very center from which everything else grows.