1.
pivot; key point; linchpin; crux
The most important or central element of something — the part that holds everything together. Originally referred to the rivet of a folding fan.
彼はチームの要だ。
He is the linchpin of the team.
交渉の要は信頼関係だ。
The key to negotiation is a relationship of trust.
防衛の要となる地域を確保しなければならない。
We must secure the region that serves as the linchpin of defense.
The crucial element that everything depends on. Originally the rivet (要) of a folding fan (扇) — the small pin at the base that holds all the blades together. Without it, the fan falls apart, hence the figurative meaning.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- チームの要 — linchpin of the team
- 組織の要 — the key person/element of an organization
- 防衛の要 — linchpin of defense
- 要となる — to serve as the key element
- 扇の要 — the pivot of a fan (also figurative: the central hub)
ETYMOLOGY:
From the rivet (要) of a folding fan. The metaphor of a small but essential component holding a larger structure together is the core of this word's meaning.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 要 — necessity, need (same kanji, on'yomi reading, different nuance)
- 中心 — center, core (more neutral, less emphasis on indispensability)
- 柱 — pillar (similar metaphor of structural support)
AS A NAME:
要 is also used as a given name (for both genders), suggesting someone essential or pivotal.
Related Words
Related:
要 (same kanji, different reading)