Definition
骨干 (gǔgàn) figuratively means the key, essential people in an organization — its 'backbone'. It contrasts with 支柱 (zhīzhù 'mainstay, pillar'), which can refer to both people and things, and 脊梁 (jǐliáng 'spine, backbone'), which often implies moral support or the central structure. Medically, 骨干 means 'diaphysis' (the shaft of a long bone).
noun
backbonekey figurecore member (in an organization or team)diaphysis (the long shaft of a bone, medical term)
Examples
- 骨干，。Tā shì gōngsī gǔ gàn, méiyǒu tā bù xíng.She is the backbone of the company; we can't do without her.
- 骨干。gǔ gàn yuángōng yīnggāi dédào gèng duō péixùn jīhuì.Key employees should get more training opportunities.
- 骨干，。Yīshēng fāxiàn tā de gǔ gàn yǒu lièfèng, xūyào jìnyíbù jiǎnchá.The doctor found a crack in his diaphysis and needs further examination.
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