当务之急

dāng wù zhī jí

top priority job

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"当务之急" (dāng wù zhī jí) refers to the most urgent and important task that must be addressed immediately. It is often used in formal or serious contexts to emphasize priority.

Common Contexts

This phrase is frequently used in news reports, official statements, and discussions about problem-solving where prioritization is critical.

Collocations and Patterns

Usage Notes

When using 当务之急, speakers imply a sense of urgency and necessity. It is not used for casual or trivial matters. Avoid confusing it with general "important tasks"; 当务之急 stresses immediacy and critical importance.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 当务之急 with 紧急 (urgent) alone; 当务之急 specifically highlights the priority among urgent matters.

Example Sentences

解决环境污染问题是当前的当务之急。

Jiějué huánjìng wūrǎn wèntí shì dāngqián de dāngwù zhī jí.

Solving the environmental pollution problem is the current top priority.

在紧急情况下,保护人民生命安全是当务之急。

Zài jǐnjí qíngkuàng xià, bǎohù rénmín shēngmìng ānquán shì dāngwù zhī jí.

In emergency situations, protecting people's lives and safety is the top

虽然还有很多工作要做,但当务之急是先完成这个项目。

Suīrán hái yǒu hěn duō gōngzuò yào zuò, dàn dāngwù zhī jí shì xiān

Although there is still a lot of work to do, the top priority is to finish