zing1 git3癥結症结
Jyutpingzing1 git3
Yalejīng git
Definition
The crux, core reason, or root of a problem.
neutralother
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the underlying, often hidden, cause that prevents a situation from being resolved. It carries a slightly formal or analytical tone, making it common in professional discussions or serious debates rather than casual small talk. Use it when you want to pinpoint the exact point where a process is stuck or a conflict originates.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Where exactly is the crux of this problem?
The lack of communication is the real crux between us.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with simple words like 原因 or 理由, but those are too generic. 癥結 implies a knot or a blockage that must be untied to move forward, whereas 原因 is just a neutral explanation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
