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March 24, 2026
主题(主題)zhǔtí(zhu3ti2)
主题 (zhǔtí) refers to the main theme or subject of a discussion, piece of writing, or artistic work. It is commonly used in contexts such as literature, presentations, and academic discussions to denote the central idea that ties various elements together.
Frequency#2520DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
The concept of a 'theme' is vital in Chinese literature and art, where the theme often reflects moral or philosophical messages, aligning with traditional values and teachings.
Memory Tip
Think of 主题 as '主' (zhǔ) meaning 'master' or 'main' and '题' (tí) meaning 'topic'. Imagine a master artist painting a large canvas where the theme is the main focus, representing the essence of the work.
Meanings of 主题
zhǔtí(zhu3ti2)
1theme
2subject
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 主题
主题Simplified
主題Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2520Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 主题
Podcast: 主题
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AI Study Notes for 主题
Quick Contrast
主题 (zhǔtí) vs 议题 (yìtí): use 主题 when referring to the overarching theme of a work, while 议题 focuses on specific topics for discussion or debate.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 主题 as '主' (zhǔ) meaning 'master' or 'main' and '题' (tí) meaning 'topic'. Imagine a master artist painting a large canvas where the theme is the main focus, representing the essence of the work.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 主题 with 题目 (tímù), which means 'title' or 'topic'. 主题 is more about the underlying idea, while 题目 refers to the name or label of something. It's typically used in formal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 主题 connects with other vocabulary related to discussion and analysis. Students should focus on using it in sentences discussing books, movies, or academic articles to enhance understanding.
Cultural Note
The concept of a 'theme' is vital in Chinese literature and art, where the theme often reflects moral or philosophical messages, aligning with traditional values and teachings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 主题 with 题目 in sentences. For example, saying '这本书的题目是友情' (This book's topic is friendship) is incorrect; the correct term is 主题.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 主题
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Grammar Patterns of 主题
主题 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The drama takes an idealistic, even a naive view of the subject.
10
她围绕这个主题添枝加叶地说了大约10分钟。
tā wéi rào zhè gè zhǔ tí tiān zhī jiā yè dì shuō le dà yuē10 10 fēn。
She embroidered on this theme for about ten minutes.
Cultural Notes for 主题
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of a 'theme' is vital in Chinese literature and art, where the theme often reflects moral or philosophical messages, aligning with traditional values and teachings.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western literature, themes are often explored more abstractly, whereas in Chinese literature, themes are frequently tied to Confucian values and social harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions about 主题
You can say, '这本书的主题是友情' (The theme of this book is friendship).
Yes, but it's more commonly used in formal contexts such as academic discussions or critiques.
No, 主题 refers to the main idea, while 题目 is the title or subject given to something.