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March 24, 2026
主要zhǔyào(zhu3yao4)
主要 (zhǔyào) refers to something that is the main or primary aspect of a subject. It is commonly used to emphasize the most significant part of an argument, discussion, or situation, and can describe both tangible and abstract concepts.
Frequency#1873DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese discussions, emphasizing the 主要 point is crucial for effective communication, as clarity and directness are valued in both business and personal interactions.
Memory Tip
Think of 主要 (zhǔyào) as a 'zoo' (主) where the 'yowling' (要) lions are the main attraction. The character 主 represents 'master' or 'host,' while 要 suggests 'need' or 'want,' highlighting that the main point is what you need to focus on.
Meanings of 主要
zhǔyào(zhu3yao4)
1main
2principal
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 主要
主要Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
区别词distinguishing word (dist.)Part of Speech
#1873Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 主要
Podcast: 主要
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AI Study Notes for 主要
Quick Contrast
主要 (zhǔyào) vs 重要 (zhòngyào) — use 主要 to emphasize the main aspect of something, while 重要 highlights the importance or significance of something.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 主要 (zhǔyào) as a 'zoo' (主) where the 'yowling' (要) lions are the main attraction. The character 主 represents 'master' or 'host,' while 要 suggests 'need' or 'want,' highlighting that the main point is what you need to focus on.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 主要 with 次要 (cìyào), which means 'secondary.' In formal contexts, 主要 is often used in reports and presentations to clarify the main topics. Ensure you use the correct tone as mispronouncing could change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 主要 connects with other words that describe importance or priority, such as 重要 (zhòngyào), meaning 'important.' Focus on using 主要 in sentences to express what is most significant in various contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese discussions, emphasizing the 主要 point is crucial for effective communication, as clarity and directness are valued in both business and personal interactions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 主要 with 重要, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这是我的重要工作' (This is my important work) instead of '这是我的主要工作' (This is my main work) can lead to ambiguity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 主要
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Grammar Patterns of 主要
主要 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
They call rowing the perfect sport. It exercises every major muscle group.
Cultural Notes for 主要
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese discussions, emphasizing the 主要 point is crucial for effective communication, as clarity and directness are valued in both business and personal interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 主要
Yes, you can use 主要 to refer to someone as the main person responsible for a task or project.
You might say '我的主要目标是学习中文' (My main goal is to learn Chinese).
Yes, 主要 is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts.
