切中 (qiē zhōng) — to hit the mark (in argument, criticism, or ana…

Definition

Used almost only in set phrases 切中要害 / 切中时弊, meaning an argument or analysis lands precisely on the key point. Register is formal and written.

verb

to hit the mark (in argument, criticism, or analysis)to strike home

切中。
Tā de fēn xī qiē zhōng le wèn tí de yào hài.
His analysis hit the crux of the problem.
切中，。
Zhè piān wén zhāng qiē zhōng shí bì, yǐn qǐ le guǎng fàn tǎo lùn.
This article struck at current social ills and sparked widespread discussion.
切中。
Nǐ de pī píng qiē zhōng le tā de tòng chù.
Your criticism hit him where it hurt.

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

补充bǔchōngVerb + complement

An action followed by its result or direction.

“切” means cut and “中” means hit, together describing cutting right to the mark.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

七刀切

Meaning part形符xíngfú

刀刀dāoknife

Sound part声符shēngfú

七

七qī切qiè

The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

In 切, the 刀 (knife) part is joined to 七, which gives the sound.

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The original picture showed a flagpole with a drum in the middle, set up in the center of a field.