When something is '紧要', it is not just important; it is urgent and requires immediate attention.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to something critical or urgent.
- Used to highlight high priority matters.
- Often implies a time-sensitive situation.
Overview
- 1概述：紧要是一个强调程度的形容词，侧重于事物对整体局势的决定性影响或时间上的紧迫感。它不仅表示重要，更暗示了时间窗口的狭窄或后果的严重性。2) 使用模式：在句子中，它通常作定语修饰名词（如：紧要关头、紧要事情），也可以作谓语，表示某事非常重要。它常与“关头”、“时刻”等词汇搭配。3) 常见语境：该词常出现在商务谈判、突发事件报道或个人生活中面临重大决策时。例如，在工作汇报中，可以用“紧要任务”来强调项目的核心地位；在叙事中，用“紧要关头”来增加剧情的紧张感。4) 近义词辨析：与“重要”相比，“紧要”多了一层“迫切”和“不可耽误”的意味。如果说“重要”是评价事物的价值，那么“紧要”则是评价事物在特定时间点上的优先级。
Examples
这事儿很紧要，你快去处理。
everydayThis is a critical matter; go handle it quickly.
在紧要关头，他做出了正确的选择。
formalAt the critical moment, he made the right choice.
别管那些无关紧要的小事了。
informalDon't worry about those trivial matters.
该项目处于紧要的开发阶段。
academicThe project is at a critical stage of development.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
紧要关头
Critical moment
无关紧要
Of no importance
紧要处理
Urgent handling
Often Confused With
Important focuses on significance or value. Critical/Urgent focuses on the immediate need for action.
Urgent focuses specifically on the speed required. '紧要' combines importance and urgency.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '紧要' is used in both formal and informal contexts to denote high priority and urgency. It is frequently seen in the fixed phrase '紧要关头'. Avoid using it for things that are merely 'important' but not 'urgent'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '紧要' to describe objects, which is incorrect. It should describe situations, moments, or tasks. Do not use it as a synonym for 'essential' in a general sense.
Tips
Use with '关头' for emphasis
Pairing '紧要' with '关头' (moment) is the most natural way to express a critical turning point. It adds a strong sense of urgency to your narrative.
Avoid overusing in casual chat
While common, using '紧要' too frequently in casual conversation can make you sound overly dramatic. Reserve it for truly urgent situations.
The cultural weight of urgency
In Chinese culture, addressing '紧要' matters promptly is seen as a sign of responsibility and respect for others' time.
Word Origin
The word combines '紧' (tight/tense) and '要' (important/essential). It reflects the historical usage of describing a situation that is 'stretched tight' and thus requires immediate focus.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, the ability to identify '紧要' matters is considered a key trait of a wise and responsible person. It reflects the Confucian value of knowing the priority of tasks.
Memory Tip
Think of '紧' as 'tight' and '要' as 'need'. When things are 'tightly needed', they are 'critical' (紧要).
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“重要”侧重于价值或影响大，而“紧要”侧重于时间上的紧迫性和处理的必要性。简单来说，紧要的事情通常也是重要的，但重要的事情不一定紧要。
通常不直接修饰人，而是修饰与人相关的事务、关头或时刻。我们不说“他很紧要”，而说“他在紧要关头表现出色”。
在口语中较常用，尤其是在强调事情紧急时。例如“有紧要事找你”，显得比“有重要事”更急迫。
其反义词通常为“无关紧要”或“次要”。这些词用来表示事物不重要或不需要立即处理。
Test Yourself
现在情况非常___，我们必须立刻做出决定。
因为强调了“立刻做出决定”，体现了时间紧迫感，故选紧要。
下列选项中，哪个词组表示最关键的时刻？
“关头”是时间节点，与“紧要”搭配最为地道。
关头 / 在 / 紧要 / 他 / 挺身而出
时间状语“在紧要关头”通常置于主语前或后，但逻辑顺序应符合中文习惯。
Score: /3
Summary
When something is '紧要', it is not just important; it is urgent and requires immediate attention.
- Refers to something critical or urgent.
- Used to highlight high priority matters.
- Often implies a time-sensitive situation.
Use with '关头' for emphasis
Pairing '紧要' with '关头' (moment) is the most natural way to express a critical turning point. It adds a strong sense of urgency to your narrative.
Avoid overusing in casual chat
While common, using '紧要' too frequently in casual conversation can make you sound overly dramatic. Reserve it for truly urgent situations.
The cultural weight of urgency
In Chinese culture, addressing '紧要' matters promptly is seen as a sign of responsibility and respect for others' time.
Examples
4 of 4这事儿很紧要，你快去处理。
This is a critical matter; go handle it quickly.
在紧要关头，他做出了正确的选择。
At the critical moment, he made the right choice.
别管那些无关紧要的小事了。
Don't worry about those trivial matters.
该项目处于紧要的开发阶段。
The project is at a critical stage of development.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
