Translation guide
The soft, spongy center of a plant stem or the essential part of an idea. For the plant part, use 髄 (ずい). For the figurative 'essence,' use 核心 (かくしん) or 要点 (ようてん).
The soft, spongy tissue in the center of plant stems.
The standard botanical term for pith. Also used in compounds like 骨髄 (bone marrow).
植物の茎の髄は柔らかい。
The pith of a plant stem is soft.
The most important or central part of an idea, argument, or matter.
Means 'core' or 'heart' of a matter. Commonly used in formal and written contexts.
問題の核心に触れる。
Get to the pith of the issue.
Means 'main point' or 'gist.' Slightly less intense than 核心, often used in summaries.
彼の話の要点をまとめてください。
Please summarize the pith of his talk.