zhòngdiǎn: 重点 - Main Point, Key Point, Focus, Priority
Quick Summary
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Summary: Discover the meaning of 重点 (zhòngdiǎn), a fundamental Chinese word for “main point,” “focus,” or “priority.” This page breaks down how 重点 is used everywhere in China—from the classroom to the boardroom—to cut through the noise and identify what truly matters. Learn why understanding this term is key to more effective communication and a deeper insight into Chinese culture's emphasis on structure and efficiency.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): zhòngdiǎn
Part of Speech: Noun, Adjective
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: The most important part of something; the main point, focus, or priority.
In a Nutshell:重点 (zhòngdiǎn) is the word you use when you need to identify the core essence of a topic, discussion, or task. It's about filtering out secondary details to focus on what's most significant. Think of it as the “heavy point” that everything else hinges on. If a teacher says something is a 重点, you write it down immediately. If your boss asks for the 重点 of a report, they want the executive summary, not the fine print.
Character Breakdown
重 (zhòng): This character can mean “heavy,” “weighty,” or “important.” Here, it signifies importance and significance.
点 (diǎn): This character means “point,” “dot,” or “spot.” It refers to a specific location or concept.
When combined, 重点 (zhòngdiǎn) literally translates to the “heavy/important point.” This is a very intuitive and direct combination that perfectly captures its meaning as the main focus or the most critical element.
Cultural Context and Significance
The concept of 重点 is deeply embedded in the Chinese mindset, particularly in education and professional environments. The Chinese education system heavily emphasizes identifying the 重点 of a lesson or text, as this is what will likely appear on the exam. This trains individuals from a young age to constantly seek out and prioritize the most critical information.
Comparison with Western Culture: In many Western communication styles, particularly in creative or brainstorming sessions, it's common to explore various ideas before a “main point” emerges organically. The process of discovery is often as valued as the conclusion. In contrast, Chinese communication often values efficiency and clarity by stating the 重点 upfront. A meeting might begin with “Today's 重点 is…” to set a clear agenda and avoid deviation. This isn't about being blunt or rude; it's about respecting everyone's time by focusing on the core issue. This reflects a cultural preference for structure and clear, hierarchical information.
Practical Usage in Modern China
重点 is an extremely common and practical word used daily. Its connotation is generally neutral and objective, simply pointing to what is most important.
In Education: This is perhaps the most common context. Teachers will explicitly state, “这是考试的重点 (zhè shì kǎoshì de zhòngdiǎn)” - “This is a key point for the exam.” Students will constantly ask, “老师，这课的重点是什么？ (lǎoshī, zhè kè de zhòngdiǎn shì shénme?)” - “Teacher, what are the main points of this lesson?”
In Business: In meetings, a manager might say, “请抓住重点 (qǐng zhuāzhù zhòngdiǎn)” - “Please get to the point.” When discussing strategy, you'll hear “我们工作的重点是提高销售额 (wǒmen gōngzuò de zhòngdiǎn shì tígāo xiāoshòu'é)” - “The focus of our work is to increase sales.”
As an Adjective:重点 can also describe something as a “priority” or “key” entity.
重点项目 (zhòngdiǎn xiàngmù): a priority project
重点大学 (zhòngdiǎn dàxué): a “key university,” one that receives special government funding and recognition.
重点保护 (zhòngdiǎn bǎohù): to give priority protection (e.g., to an endangered species or a historical site).
Example Sentences
Example 1:
老师划出了课文的重点。
Pinyin: Lǎoshī huàchū le kèwén de zhòngdiǎn.
English: The teacher underlined the key points of the text.
Analysis: This is a classic classroom scenario. 划出 (huàchū) means “to mark out” or “underline.” This sentence shows 重点 as a noun representing the most important parts of a lesson.
Example 2:
你说了半天，但是你的重点是什么？
Pinyin: Nǐ shuōle bàntiān, dànshì nǐ de zhòngdiǎn shì shénme?
English: You've been talking for ages, but what's your point?
Analysis: This is a very direct and common phrase used to ask someone to be more concise. 半天 (bàntiān) literally means “half a day” but is used colloquially to mean “a long time.”
Example 3:
这次会议的重点是讨论明年的预算。
Pinyin: Zhè cì huìyì de zhòngdiǎn shì tǎolùn míngnián de yùsuàn.
English: The focus of this meeting is to discuss next year's budget.
Analysis: Here, 重点 clearly defines the main purpose or agenda of an event. It sets the scope and priority for the discussion.
Example 4:
环境保护是政府工作的重点之一。
Pinyin: Huánjìng bǎohù shì zhèngfǔ gōngzuò de zhòngdiǎn zhī yī.
English: Environmental protection is one of the government's work priorities.
Analysis: The structure …之一 (…zhī yī) means “one of…” This shows that there can be multiple priorities, and 重点 refers to one of them.
Example 5:
这是一个国家级重点项目。
Pinyin: Zhè shì yí ge guójiā jí zhòngdiǎn xiàngmù.
English: This is a national-level priority project.
Analysis: In this sentence, 重点 functions as an adjective modifying 项目 (xiàngmù), meaning “project.” It signals that this project has high importance and receives special attention.
Example 6:
我没抓住你刚才那番话的重点。
Pinyin: Wǒ méi zhuāzhù nǐ gāngcái nà fān huà de zhòngdiǎn.
English: I didn't grasp the main point of what you just said.
Analysis: The verb 抓住 (zhuāzhù), meaning “to grab” or “to grasp,” is very commonly paired with 重点. It creates the vivid image of “grasping the main point.”
Example 7:
他总是把家庭放在生活的重点。
Pinyin: Tā zǒngshì bǎ jiātíng fàng zài shēnghuó de zhòngdiǎn.
English: He always puts his family as the priority in his life.
Analysis: This example shows 重点 used in a personal, non-academic context. It refers to personal values and life priorities.
Example 8:
这所中学是市重点。
Pinyin: Zhè suǒ zhōngxué shì shì zhòngdiǎn.
English: This middle school is a municipal key school.
Analysis: A very common abbreviation in China. 市重点 (shì zhòngdiǎn) is short for 市级重点中学 (shì jí zhòngdiǎn zhōngxué). It indicates a school with a better reputation, more funding, and higher academic standards.
English: This book has rich content, but the main points aren't prominent.
Analysis: A great example of using 重点 in a critique. 突出 (tūchū) means “to stand out” or “be prominent.” This sentence implies the book is unfocused despite having a lot of information.
Example 10:
请把你的注意力重点放在第三个问题上。
Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ nǐ de zhùyìlì zhòngdiǎn fàng zài dì sān ge wèntí shàng.
English: Please put the focus of your attention on the third question.
Analysis: Here, 重点 is used adverbially, though it's technically a noun acting as the object of 放 (fàng), meaning “to place.” This structure 把…重点放在…上 (bǎ… zhòngdiǎn fàng zài… shàng) is a common pattern for “to focus… on…”.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
重点 (zhòngdiǎn) vs. 重要 (zhòngyào): This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
重要 (zhòngyào) is a general adjective meaning “important.” It describes the quality of something.
重点 (zhòngdiǎn) is a noun meaning “the main point/focus” or an adjective meaning “key/priority.” It singles out the most important element from a larger set.