jiu3 sou3要素
Jyutpingjiu3 sou3
Yaleyiu sou
Definition
Essential factor or key element.
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How it's used
Focuses on the abstract components that make something successful or functional, rather than physical ingredients. It carries a slightly formal or analytical tone, often appearing in discussions about business, strategy, or personal development. While it is a noun, it is rarely used in casual, everyday small talk about concrete objects.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Communication is the most important element in a relationship.
What key elements do you think are still missing from this plan?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 元素, which is primarily used for chemical elements or basic components of a system. Using 要素 to describe the ingredients of a recipe or the parts of a physical machine sounds unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
