Meaning
核心 literally means 'nucleus-heart' and refers to the central, most important part of something. It's used both literally (like the core of the Earth) and figuratively (like the core issue in a discussion). The word emphasizes the essential, fundamental nature of something.
Usage
核心 is commonly used in formal and academic contexts, business settings, and serious discussions. It frequently appears in phrases like 核心问题 (core issue), 核心竞争力 (core competitiveness), and 核心价值观 (core values). Native speakers use it to emphasize what is most fundamental or critical in any situation.
Examples
- 01创新是这家公司的核心竞争力。.Innovation is the core competitiveness of this company.
- 02我们需要抓住问题的核心。.We need to grasp the core of the problem.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个核心
Common collocations
- 核心问题core issue
- 核心价值观core values
- 核心竞争力core competitiveness
- 核心技术core technology
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 核 (nucleus/kernel, literally a fruit pit) with 心 (heart), creating a compound that emphasizes the innermost, most vital part of something. This metaphorical extension from physical cores to abstract essences is common in Chinese.