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March 24, 2026
主任zhǔrèn(zhu3ren4)
主任 (zhǔrèn) refers to a director or head of a department or organization. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as in workplaces or educational institutions, to denote someone in a leadership position responsible for overseeing operations and making decisions.
Frequency#2531DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese workplaces, the role of a 主任 is often accompanied by significant respect and authority, reflecting the hierarchical nature of Chinese culture. This title is integral in organizational structures, illustrating the importance of leadership roles.
Memory Tip
Think of 主 (zhǔ) as 'master' or 'main', which looks like a person standing on top, representing leadership, while 任 (rèn) resembles a person carrying a burden, symbolizing responsibilities. Together, they form 'the main person who carries the responsibilities'.
Meanings of 主任
zhǔrèn(zhu3ren4)
1director
2head
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 主任
主任Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
区别词distinguishing word (dist.)Part of Speech
#2531Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 主任
Podcast: 主任
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AI Study Notes for 主任
Quick Contrast
副主任 (fùzhǔrèn) - use 副主任 when referring to a deputy or assistant director who supports the 主任 in their duties.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 主 (zhǔ) as 'master' or 'main', which looks like a person standing on top, representing leadership, while 任 (rèn) resembles a person carrying a burden, symbolizing responsibilities. Together, they form 'the main person who carries the responsibilities'.
Usage Notes
When using 主任, it is important to use it in formal contexts. A common mistake is to use it casually, which may come off as disrespectful. Ensure you pair it with appropriate honorifics when addressing someone with this title.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 主任 connects with other vocabulary related to leadership and management, such as 领导 (lǐngdǎo, leadership). Focus on understanding its collocation with other terms related to workplace hierarchy.
Cultural Note
In Chinese workplaces, the role of a 主任 is often accompanied by significant respect and authority, reflecting the hierarchical nature of Chinese culture. This title is integral in organizational structures, illustrating the importance of leadership roles.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 主任 with other titles like 经理 (jīnglǐ). For example, saying '我是一名主任在公司' (Wǒ shì yī míng zhǔrèn zài gōngsī) is incorrect if they are actually a manager; it should be '我是一名经理在公司'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 主任
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Grammar Patterns of 主任
主任 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
外语系____是谁?
Who is the dean of the Foreign Languages Department?
Example Sentences for 主任 (7)
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1
外语系主任是谁?
wài yǔ xì zhǔ rèn shì shuí?
Who is the dean of the Foreign Languages Department?
2
主任盛气凌人地走进来, 查问是谁违背了他的命令.
zhǔ rèn shèng qì líng rén dì zǒu jìn lái, , chá wèn shì shuí wéi bèi le tā de mìng.
The director sailed in, demanding to know who had disobeyed his orders.
3
主任老为吉姆迟到训斥他.
zhǔ rèn lǎo wéi jí mǔ chí dào xùn chì tā.
The director is always lecturing Jim for being late.
If you require further information, you should consult the registrar.
6
那个既矮又胖的绅士是我们的新主任.
nà gè jì ǎi yòu pàng de shēn shì shì wǒ mén de xīn zhǔ rèn.
The short and chubby gentleman over there is our new director.
7
他目前是世界基督徒团契的主任医师。
tā mù qián shì shì jiè jī dū tú tuán qì de zhǔ rèn yī shī。
He is presently the medical director for the Fellowship of World Christians.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
Who is the dean of the Foreign Languages Department?
Tap tokens to build the sentence
Cultural Notes for 主任
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese workplaces, the role of a 主任 is often accompanied by significant respect and authority, reflecting the hierarchical nature of Chinese culture. This title is integral in organizational structures, illustrating the importance of leadership roles.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In many Western cultures, the concept of a 'director' may imply a collaborative role, whereas in Chinese culture, a 主任 often has more centralized authority and decision-making power.
Frequently Asked Questions about 主任
No, 主任 is primarily used in formal contexts to denote a position of authority.
主任 refers to a head or director of a department, while 经理 (jīnglǐ) generally means manager, focusing more on operational tasks.
