竅 (qiào) - Opening, aperture, key point, knack, essential method —

竅Tone 4

qiào ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

器情

竅 · qiào

Opening, aperture, key point, knack, essential method — refers to a crucial point, key to understanding, or essential technique.

Opening, aperture, key point, knack, essential method —

Usage highlights

Key pointEssential methodSeven aperturesCrucial pointKey to successHeart apertures

Synonyms

  • 門— door, gateway, method
  • 要— essential, important point
  • 訣— knack, secret method

Antonyms

  • 塞— block, obstruct
  • 閉— close, shut

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He quickly grasped the knack of the technique (掌握竅門).
  • The key point lies in proper breathing (關鍵在於呼吸的竅門).
  • She found the opening in the argument (找到論點的竅門).
  • Understanding the essentials is crucial (理解竅要很重要).

Collocations

  • Key point(竅門)
  • Essential method(竅要)
  • Seven apertures(七竅)
  • Crucial point(訣竅)
  • Key to success(成功之竅)
  • Heart apertures(心竅)

Idioms

  • The seven apertures producing smoke(七竅生煙)
  • Blocked heart apertures(鬼迷心竅)
  • Understanding penetrates the apertures(一竅不通)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to openings or apertures in the body, particularly the seven facial orifices (eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth).
  • Extended metaphorically to mean key points, crucial methods, or essential understanding in various fields.
  • Used in traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy to describe vital points and channels of energy flow.

FAQ