Yàozhǐ refers to the central meaning and essential spirit that defines the core of a text or ideology.
Word in 30 Seconds
- The core essence and fundamental intent of a formal communication.
- Highly formal noun used in academic, legal, or official contexts.
- Focuses on the underlying spirit rather than just surface points.
Overview
- 1概述：‘要旨’（yàozhǐ）是一个正式的书面语词汇，由‘要’（重要、核心）和‘旨’（意旨、目的）构成。它不仅指表面的主要内容，更侧重于深层的思想内核或创作者的根本意图。2) 用法模式：‘要旨’通常作为动词‘领会’、‘把握’、‘阐明’、‘概括’的宾语。也常用于‘……的要旨在于……’这种结构来解释某事物的核心价值。3) 常见语境：该词频繁出现在学术论文、法律解释、政府公文、哲学讨论以及正式的演讲评论中。在分析文学作品或历史文献时，研究者常会探讨其‘创作要旨’。4) 同类词比较：与‘重点’（point）相比，‘要旨’更具抽象性和精神性；与‘大意’（general idea）相比，‘要旨’显得更加严谨、正式，且包含对‘目的’的强调；与‘宗旨’（purpose/aim）相比，‘宗旨’多指组织或行动的目标，而‘要旨’多指言论或文字的思想核心。
Examples
学者们正在讨论这部哲学著作的要旨。
academicScholars are discussing the gist of this philosophical work.
会议的要旨是明确下一阶段的任务。
formalThe main point of the meeting is to clarify the tasks for the next stage.
他用几句话就概括了演讲的要旨。
professionalHe summarized the essence of the speech in just a few sentences.
法律的要旨在于保护公民的合法权益。
legalThe essential meaning of the law lies in protecting the legitimate rights and interests of citizens.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
判决要旨
Headnote/gist of a judgment
文章要旨
The gist of an article
Often Confused With
Emphasis on specific important parts or tasks, while '要旨' emphasizes the holistic core meaning.
A '摘要' is a physical summary or abstract section of a document, whereas '要旨' is the conceptual essence itself.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '要旨' is highly formal and carries a sense of authority and depth. It is most frequently used in writing rather than speech. It implies that the listener or reader needs to look beyond the surface to understand the true spirit of the subject.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using '要旨' for trivial or simple things (e.g., the 'gist' of a grocery list). It should be reserved for profound or significant subjects like laws, philosophies, or major speeches.
Tips
Use for abstract core meanings
When you want to describe the philosophical or spiritual core of a complex theory, '要旨' is more appropriate than '重点'.
Avoid in casual conversations
Using '要旨' while chatting with friends about a movie might sound overly stiff or academic.
Classical roots of 'Zhi'
The character '旨' originally referred to delicious food, but evolved to mean the 'sweet spot' or 'essence' of a thought.
Word Origin
'要' means important/essential. '旨' originally meant 'delicious' (as in '旨味' in Japanese/Chinese), metaphorically evolving to represent the 'best part' or 'true meaning' of a thought.
Cultural Context
In Chinese intellectual tradition, 'grasping the essence' (得其要旨) is considered a sign of deep understanding and wisdom, especially when studying classics.
Memory Tip
Think of '要' as 'essential' and '旨' as 'intent'. Together they represent the 'Essential Intent' of a masterwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions在某些语境下可以，但“重点”通常指具体的、需要优先处理的部分，而“要旨”指整体的核心思想，语气更正式。
不常用。在日常生活中，人们更倾向于使用“意思”、“重点”或“主旨”。
常见的搭配包括“把握要旨”、“领会要旨”、“阐明要旨”和“概括要旨”。
它是指判决书中最核心的法律逻辑和裁决依据，是法律从业者研究案例的关键。
Test Yourself
阅读古籍时，首先要把握其思想___，才能理解作者的初衷。
‘思想要旨’是固定搭配，强调核心思想的精髓。
这篇文章的要旨在于呼吁人们保护环境。
‘精髓’（essence）与‘要旨’在表达核心意义上最为接近。
阐明 / 报告 / 了 / 改革 / 的 / 要旨 / 这份
正确的句子结构为主语（这份报告）+ 谓语（阐明）+ 宾语（改革的要旨）。
Score: /3
Summary
Yàozhǐ refers to the central meaning and essential spirit that defines the core of a text or ideology.
- The core essence and fundamental intent of a formal communication.
- Highly formal noun used in academic, legal, or official contexts.
- Focuses on the underlying spirit rather than just surface points.
Use for abstract core meanings
When you want to describe the philosophical or spiritual core of a complex theory, '要旨' is more appropriate than '重点'.
Avoid in casual conversations
Using '要旨' while chatting with friends about a movie might sound overly stiff or academic.
Classical roots of 'Zhi'
The character '旨' originally referred to delicious food, but evolved to mean the 'sweet spot' or 'essence' of a thought.
Examples
4 of 4学者们正在讨论这部哲学著作的要旨。
Scholars are discussing the gist of this philosophical work.
会议的要旨是明确下一阶段的任务。
The main point of the meeting is to clarify the tasks for the next stage.
他用几句话就概括了演讲的要旨。
He summarized the essence of the speech in just a few sentences.
法律的要旨在于保护公民的合法权益。
The essential meaning of the law lies in protecting the legitimate rights and interests of citizens.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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
