核心

• Reading: かくしん
• Romaji: kakushin
• Kanji breakdown: 核 (kaku) — nucleus, core; 心 (shin) — heart, mind, centre
• Pronunciation: /ka.kɯ.ɕiɴ/

Meaning

Core; the heart or crux of a matter, issue, or problem.

A noun used to refer to the most essential or central part of an issue. Frequently appears in set phrases like 核心に迫る (to get to the heart of), 核心を突く (to hit the nail on the head), and 核心に触れる (to touch on the core issue). Common in discussions, debates, and news analysis.

Examples

1. 議論はようやく問題の核心に迫った。 The discussion finally got to the core of the issue.
2. 彼の発言は核心を突いていた。 His comment hit the nail on the head.
3. 核心に触れずに話を続けるのは時間の無駄だ。 Continuing to talk without touching on the core issue is a waste of time.

Usage Guide

Context: discussions, news, analysis

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 核 (nucleus, core) + 心 (heart, centre). Originally a scientific term for the centre of a cell or atom, extended metaphorically to mean the central point of any matter.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal