环节 huánjié segment
(zoology) segment (of the body of a worm, centipede etc); (figuratively) a part of an integrated whole: aspect (of a project), element (of a policy), sector (of the economy), stage (of a process) etc
How to remember 环节: 环 ring + 节 section = segment.
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How it is used
- A link, stage or component within a larger process - 关键环节 (guānjiàn huánjié) a key stage; 每个环节都很重要 every step matters.
- Figurative from a chain's links; use it for parts of a project, procedure or supply chain - 生产环节, 销售环节.
- Contrast 部分 (bùfen, a part) and 步骤 (bùzhòu, a step): 环节 stresses being one interlocking piece of an integrated whole.