核 心(かくしん)

かくしん

noun

core, crux, heart of a matter

See also: 革新(かくしん) (homophone — innovation), 確信(かくしん) (homophone — conviction)

1. core, crux, heart of a matter

The most important or central point of an issue, problem, or argument. Used when referring to the essential part that everything else revolves around.

問題(もんだい)の核心(かくしん)に触(ふ)れる。

To touch on the crux of the problem.

彼(かれ)の話(はなし)は核心(かくしん)を突(つ)いていた。

His remarks hit the heart of the matter.

議論(ぎろん)が長引(ながび)いているが、そろそろ核心(かくしん)に迫(せま)るべきだ。

The discussion has been dragging on, but it's time we got to the heart of the matter.

Common collocations

核心(かくしん)に触(ふ)れる: to touch on the core issue
核心(かくしん)を突(つ)く: to hit the nail on the head
核心(かくしん)に迫(せま)る: to get to the heart of the matter
核心(かくしん)部分(ぶぶん): the core part

Similar words

核心(かくしん) focuses on the most critical point of an argument or issue. 要点(ようてん) (key point) is broader and more neutral, while 核心(かくしん) emphasizes the idea of penetrating to the essential center.

Related Words

Compare: 中心(ちゅうしん) (center, core)

Compare: 根幹(こんかん) (core)

Compare: 中核(ちゅうかく) (nucleus, core, central pillar)

Compare: 本丸(ほんまる) (main enclosure of a castle)

general

Added 2026.2.23 20:16 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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