主要
zhǔ yào HSK 3

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

这是主要问题。
Zhè shì zhǔyào wèntí.
This is the main problem.
我主要说汉语。
Wǒ zhǔyào shuō Hànyǔ.
I mainly speak Chinese.
主要颜色是红色。
Zhǔyào yánsè shì hóngsè.
The main color is red.
这是主要原因。
Zhè shì zhǔyào yuányīn.
This is the main reason.
主要问题是时间。
Zhǔyào wèntí shì shíjiān.
The main problem is time.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 主 (zhǔ) meaning 'master' or 'main,' and 要 (yào) meaning 'important' or 'to want'—together, they form 'main important,' helping remember it as 'main.'

📝 Usage Notes

主要 is used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. It is commonly used to highlight key points in discussions, reports, or everyday conversations, such as describing main responsibilities, reasons, or features.

📖 Grammar Points

主要 is often placed before a noun as an adjective (e.g., 主要的工作). It can also be used adverbially in the structure '主要是...' to mean 'mainly is...' or 'primarily...' (e.g., 她主要是负责销售).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese communication, using 主要 to clarify priorities or key points is common in both professional and personal settings, reflecting a focus on hierarchy and core elements in planning or analysis.

🔄 Similar Words

主要 is similar to 重要 (zhòngyào, 'important'), but 主要 specifically means 'main' or 'primary,' focusing on the most significant part among several, while 重要 refers to general importance without implying a ranking.

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