Meaning and Usage
"要害" refers to a crucial or vital point, often a strategic location or a key issue that is essential to success or failure. It is commonly used in military, medical, and negotiation contexts to indicate something that must be protected or addressed carefully.
Common Collocations
- 要害部位 (vital part): used in medical or anatomical contexts to indicate critical body parts.
- 要害问题 (key issue): used in discussions or negotiations to highlight the most important problem.
- 要害防守 (key defense): used in military or security contexts.
Usage Notes
When using "要害," speakers emphasize the importance or vulnerability of the point or issue. It often implies that if this point is compromised, the whole system or plan could fail. Avoid confusing it with general words for "important"; "要害" carries a stronger sense of critical vulnerability or strategic significance.