症结

• Pinyin: zhēng jié
• Hanzi breakdown: 症 = 疒 + 正 (illness + correct — diagnosed condition); 结 = 纟+ 吉 (thread knotted)

Meaning

The crux of a problem; the key issue at the heart of a difficulty. The root cause that must be addressed.

Originally a medical term for a hard lump or obstruction in the body, now used figuratively for the core issue blocking progress. Common in analytical discussions of complex problems.

Examples

1. 双方谈判破裂的症结在于核心利益的根本冲突。 The negotiations broke down because of a fundamental conflict over core interests.
2. 找到问题的症结所在，才能对症下药，彻底解决。 Only by identifying the crux of the problem can you address it properly and solve it for good.
3. 经济发展滞后的症结是基础设施建设严重不足。 The key issue behind the sluggish economic development is a severe lack of infrastructure.

Usage Guide

Context: analysis, problem-solving, academic

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 我们必须深入分析，找出问题的症结所在。(We must analyse deeply to find where the crux of the problem lies.)
• 贸易摩擦的症结在于双方的结构性矛盾。(The crux of the trade friction lies in the structural contradictions between both sides.)

Don't Say

• 这个症结很大 — 症结 is abstract and cannot be described as big/small; use 这是核心问题 or 这是关键症结

Origin & History

症 (illness/symptom) + 结 (knot/lump) — the knotted obstruction causing the illness

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal