核心を突く

• Reading: かくしんをつく
• Romaji: kakushin wo tsuku
• Kanji breakdown: 核 (kaku) — nucleus, core; 心 (shin/kokoro) — heart, center; 突 (totsu/tsu) — stab, thrust
• Pronunciation: /ka.kɯ.ɕin wo tsɯ.kɯ/

Meaning

To get to the heart of the matter; to hit the nail on the head; to make a penetrating remark that cuts to the core.

A verb phrase (Group 1 godan: 突く) meaning to penetrate directly to the crux or essence of an issue. 核心 means 'core, nucleus, crux' and 突く means 'to stab, thrust, poke at.' Together the phrase describes a question, remark, or analysis that bypasses surface issues to address the fundamental point. Often used as a compliment for someone who asks a particularly sharp or incisive question.

Examples

1. 彼女の質問は核心を突くもので、全員が思わず黙り込んだ。 Her question cut straight to the heart of the matter, and everyone fell silent.
2. 核心を突く一言が、長引いた議論に終止符を打った。 A single incisive remark put an end to the drawn-out debate.
3. 核心を突かれた彼は、しばらく言葉に詰まって俯いた。 Struck at the core, he was lost for words for a moment and looked down.

Usage Guide

Context: debate, critical thinking, journalism, meetings

Tone: sharp, incisive

Origin & History

核心 (core, nucleus — 核 'pit, nucleus' + 心 'heart, center') + 突く (to stab, thrust, penetrate). An image of a sharp object stabbing directly through to the core of something — bypassing all outer layers.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: General