Definition
瓶颈 (píng jǐng) literally means 'neck of a bottle' and figuratively refers to a bottleneck — an obstacle that slows progress in processes, production, or development. 咽喉 (yān hóu) also means 'throat' and figuratively describes a strategic, narrow passage (such as a mountain pass) that is crucial to control; it emphasizes a vital position rather than an obstruction.
noun
(literal) neck of a bottle(figurative) bottleneckobstacle that hinders progress
Easily confused
- 平静píng jìngsound-alikecalm, peaceful, tranquil
Examples
- 瓶颈。Zhège píngzi de píng jǐng hěn zhǎi.The neck of this bottle is very narrow.
- 瓶颈。Gōngsī de yèwù zēngzhǎng yùdào le píng jǐng.The company's business growth has hit a bottleneck.
- 瓶颈。Wǒmen yào xiǎng bànfǎ tūpò jìshù píng jǐng.We need to find a way to break through the technical bottleneck.
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