Definition

Noun: The most important, decisive, or pivotal point, element, or part of something. It refers to the central issue or crucial factor upon which everything else depends.

Usage

• "then chốt" is used as a noun, often following another noun to specify that it is the key or crucial aspect.
• It describes the central, indispensable part of a situation, plan, problem, or system.

Usage Examples

• (This is precisely the crux of the matter.)
• (We need to identify the key factors for success.)
• (He holds a key position in the company.)

Advanced Usage

• "mấu chốt": This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "then chốt" to mean the crux or pivotal point.
  • Giải quyết mấu chốt này sẽ dẫn đến thành công. (Solving this crucial point will lead to success.)
• "điểm mấu chốt" / "điểm then chốt": Phrases emphasizing "the key point."
  • Hãy tập trung vào điểm then chốt trong bài tranh luận. (Let's focus on the key point in the debate.)

Variants and Related Words

• Then (noun): A bolt or latch (literal meaning). "Then chốt" is a figurative extension of this, implying the part that "locks" or secures the whole structure.
• Chốt (verb): To finalize, to lock in (e.g., a decision, a price). Related in concept to making something definite and secure.

Synonyms

• Trọng yếu (adj): Of prime importance, vital.
• Cốt lõi (noun): The core, the essence.
• Quan trọng nhất (adj phrase): The most important.
• Căn bản (adj): Fundamental, basic.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Giải quyết vấn đề then chốt": To solve the key/crucial problem.
  • Muốn cải thiện tình hình, trước hết phải giải quyết vấn đề then chốt. (To improve the situation, we must first solve the key problem.)
• "Nắm được then chốt": To grasp/hold the key (to understanding or solving something).
  • Khi bạn nắm được then chốt, mọi chuyện sẽ trở nên dễ dàng. (Once you grasp the key, everything becomes easier.)

noun

1. crux, key