The main point or essential aspect of something; the crucial point or gist.
話の要は準備不足が原因だと結論づけられた。
The conclusion was that the main point of the discussion was lack of preparation.
この文の要は第三段落に書かれている。
The main point of this sentence is written in the third paragraph.
説明を短くすると、要は時間の管理が重要だということだ。
To put it briefly, the essential point is that time management is important.
Necessity or requirement; used to express that something is needed (e.g., '要がある' = 'there is a need').
要があればいつでも連絡してください。
If there is a need, please contact me at any time.
緊急対応が要とされ、担当者がすぐに動いた。
An urgent response was required, and the person in charge moved immediately.
今回の作業では追加の予算が要になる可能性がある。
Additional budget may be required for this work.