Definition
核心 (hé xīn) is the standard, go‑to noun for the central, most important part of something abstract, such as an issue, value, or interest. It is more specific than 心 (xīn, 'heart/mind') and less physical than 中心 (zhōng xīn, 'center of a place/institution'). 重心 (zhòng xīn) means 'center of gravity' or 'main focus', a narrower sense.
noun
corenucleus (the central or most important part)
Easily confused
- 贺信hè xìnsound-alikecongratulatory letter
Examples
- 核心。Bǎohù guójiā hé xīn lìyì shì wǒmen de zérèn.Protecting the core interests of the country is our responsibility.
- 核心。hé xīn jiàzhíguān duì shèhuì fāzhǎn hěn zhòngyào.Core values are very important for social development.
- 核心?Zhè cì tǎolùn de hé xīn wèntí shì shénme?What is the core issue of this discussion?
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