zhǔyào: 主要 - Main, Principal, Chief
Quick Summary
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Summary: Learn how to use “主要” (zhǔyào), a fundamental Chinese word meaning “main,” “principal,” or “primary.” This comprehensive guide explores its meaning, character origins, and practical use as both an adjective and adverb. Discover how to distinguish it from the similar word “重要” (zhòngyào) and see 10 practical example sentences to master its usage in everyday conversation and formal writing.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): zhǔyào
Part of Speech: Adjective / Adverb
HSK Level: HSK 3
Concise Definition: Used to identify the most important, significant, or largest part of a whole.
In a Nutshell: Think of “主要” (zhǔyào) as a spotlight. It shines on the one thing that matters most in a group or situation. If you're talking about the reasons you moved, “主要” points to the number one reason. If you're listing ingredients, “主要” identifies the key ingredient. It helps you cut through the noise and focus on the “main event.”
Character Breakdown
主 (zhǔ): The character 主 originally depicted a lamp with a flame on top. The flame is the main, essential part of the lamp. Over time, it came to mean “master,” “host,” or “main,” as in the main person in charge.
要 (yào): This character can mean “to want,” “to need,” or “important.” It signifies something that is essential or required.
Combined Meaning: When you combine “main/master” (主) with “important/essential” (要), you get “主要” (zhǔyào). The meaning is very direct: the main and most important part.
Cultural Context and Significance
While “主要” (zhǔyào) is a common word without deep philosophical baggage, its frequent use reflects a pragmatic aspect of Chinese communication. In many contexts, such as business, academics, or even just explaining a situation, there's a cultural value placed on clarity and structure.
Using “主要” is a direct way to organize your thoughts and present the most critical information first. It signals to the listener, “Pay attention, this is the main point.” This can be contrasted with some Western communication styles that might build up to a main point more gradually or “bury the lede.” In Chinese, explicitly stating the “主要” reason or factor is considered efficient and respectful of the listener's time. It helps everyone get on the same page quickly by establishing a clear hierarchy of information.
Practical Usage in Modern China
“主要” is extremely versatile and used across all levels of formality, from casual chats to official government reports. It functions in two primary ways:
As an Adjective: When used as an adjective, it modifies a noun and is almost always followed by a
的 (de). It means “main” or “principal.”
`主要 + 的 + Noun`
e.g., `主要的原因` (zhǔyào de yuányīn) - the main reason
e.g., `我们的主要目标` (wǒmen de zhǔyào mùbiāo) - our main goal
As an Adverb: When used as an adverb, it often comes after the subject and means “mainly” or “primarily.” It's frequently followed by
是 (shì) or a verb.
`Subject + 主要 + 是/Verb…`
e.g., `我来这里主要是为了学习。` (Wǒ lái zhèlǐ zhǔyào shì wèile xuéxí.) - I came here mainly to study.
e.g., `我们主要讨论了三个问题。` (Wǒmen zhǔyào tǎolùn le sān ge wèntí.) - We mainly discussed three issues.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
交通堵塞是他们迟到的主要原因。
Pinyin: Jiāotōng dǔsè shì tāmen chídào de zhǔyào yuányīn.
English: The traffic jam was the main reason they were late.
Analysis: Here, 主要 is used as an adjective modifying 原因 (yuányīn, reason). Note the use of 的 (de) to connect them.
Example 2:
我们今天的会议主要是讨论下一季度的计划。
Pinyin: Wǒmen jīntiān de huìyì zhǔyào shì tǎolùn xià yí jìdù de jìhuà.
English: Our meeting today is mainly to discuss the plan for the next quarter.
Analysis: Here, 主要 acts as an adverb, explaining the primary purpose of the meeting. The structure `主要是…` (zhǔyào shì…) is extremely common.
Example 3:
这家餐厅的主要特色是海鲜。
Pinyin: Zhè jiā cāntīng de zhǔyào tèsè shì hǎixiān.
English: This restaurant's main specialty is seafood.
Analysis: A straightforward adjectival use. 主要 modifies 特色 (tèsè, special feature/characteristic).
Example 4:
这部电影的主要角色是谁？
Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng de zhǔyào juésè shì shéi?
English: Who is the main character in this movie?
Analysis: A common question format. 主要 describes 角色 (juésè, character/role).
Example 5:
我的工作主要是负责市场营销。
Pinyin: Wǒ de gōngzuò zhǔyào shì fùzé shìchǎng yíngxiāo.
English: My job is mainly to be in charge of marketing.
Analysis: Adverbial use. The speaker is summarizing the primary responsibility of their job.
Example 6:
空气污染是这个城市面临的主要问题之一。
Pinyin: Kōngqì wūrǎn shì zhège chéngshì miànlín de zhǔyào wèntí zhī yī.
English: Air pollution is one of the main problems this city faces.
Analysis: This shows a useful structure: `主要 + Noun + 之一 (zhī yī)`, which means “one of the main…”.
Example 7:
这个项目主要由他来管理。
Pinyin: Zhège xiàngmù zhǔyào yóu tā lái guǎnlǐ.
English: This project is mainly managed by him.
Analysis: Adverbial use. `主要` clarifies that while others may be involved, he is the primary manager.
Example 8:
我们的客户主要是年轻人。
Pinyin: Wǒmen de kèhù zhǔyào shì niánqīng rén.
English: Our customers are mainly young people.
Analysis: A perfect example of using 主要 to describe the primary demographic of a group.
Example 9:
学习汉语，主要的困难是汉字和声调。
Pinyin: Xuéxí Hànyǔ, zhǔyào de kùnnán shì Hànzì hé shēngdiào.
English: In learning Chinese, the main difficulties are the characters and tones.
Analysis: Adjectival use. This sentence structure is great for stating an opinion or fact, starting with the topic and then identifying the main point about it.
Example 10:
我选择这份工作，主要是因为离家近。
Pinyin: Wǒ xuǎnzé zhè fèn gōngzuò, zhǔyào shì yīnwèi lí jiā jìn.
English: I chose this job, mainly because it's close to home.
Analysis: The structure `主要是因为…` (zhǔyào shì yīnwèi…) is a key phrase for explaining the primary cause of a decision.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 主要 (zhǔyào) and 重要 (zhòngyào). They can sometimes both be translated as “important” in English, but they are not interchangeable in Chinese.
主要 (zhǔyào): Main, Principal. This word singles out the primary item from a group. It answers the question, “Which one is the most significant?” It's about rank and order.
重要 (zhòngyào): Important, Significant. This word describes the value or consequence of something. It answers the question, “How much does it matter?” It's about weight and value.
You can think of it this way: The main (主要) reason might not be the most important (重要) one in the grand scheme of things, and something very important (重要) might not be the main (主要) topic of a specific discussion.
Incorrect Usage Example:
A sentence that uses both:
重要 (zhòngyào) - The most critical distinction. Means “important” or “significant” in terms of value, not rank.
首要 (shǒuyào) - A more formal synonym meaning “of the very first importance” or “primary.” It's stronger than 主要 and implies top priority (e.g., a “首要任务” is a top-priority task).
次要 (cìyào) - The direct antonym of 主要, meaning “secondary,” “lesser,” or “minor.”
关键 (guānjiàn) - Means “crucial” or “key.” It refers to a point on which everything else depends, like a linchpin. A 主要 reason can also be a 关键 reason.
核心 (héxīn) - Means “core” or “nucleus.” This is even more central than 主要. The 核心 is the absolute, indispensable heart of a matter.
基本 (jīběn) - Means “basic” or “fundamental.” It refers to the foundation. While a 主要 point can be a 基本 point, 基本 focuses on the starting point or foundation, while 主要 focuses on the most significant part of the whole.
根本 (gēnběn) - Means “fundamental” or “root” (as in the root of a problem). It goes deeper than 主要 to the ultimate origin or essence of something.