Meaning
主要 describes something that is most important, fundamental, or primary in a given context. It can modify nouns to indicate the main element or be used adverbially to mean 'mainly' or 'primarily.' This is an extremely common word in both spoken and written Chinese for expressing what is central or most significant.
Usage
主要 is used in formal and informal contexts alike. As an adjective it typically comes before the noun (主要原因 'main reason'), and as an adverb it usually appears before the verb or at the beginning of a clause (主要是... 'mainly is...'). Very frequently paired with 是 in the pattern 主要是 to emphasize what something primarily consists of or is about.
Examples
- 01这次会议的主要内容是讨论明年的计划。.The main content of this meeting is to discuss next year's plans.
- 02他不来主要是因为工作太忙了。.He's not coming mainly because work is too busy.
Characters
Common collocations
- 主要原因main reason
- 主要内容main content
- 主要是mainly is, primarily is
- 主要问题main problem
Antonyms
Origin
Combining 主 (master/primary) with 要 (important/essential) creates a compound emphasizing primacy and importance.