Meaning
主 is a foundational character meaning 'master,' 'main,' or 'host.' It describes someone who holds authority or ownership, or serves as the primary element in something. As an adjective, it means 'main' or 'principal,' and as a verb it means 'to be in charge of' or 'to advocate for.'
Usage
主 appears in countless compounds across all registers. As a standalone word, it's formal or literary; in daily speech it's almost always part of multi-character words like 主人 (host/master), 主要 (main), or 主意 (idea). It frequently appears in titles, roles, and abstract concepts.
Examples
- 01这是我们今天讨论的主要问题。.This is the main issue we're discussing today.
- 02他主张改革教育制度。.He advocates for reforming the education system.
Common collocations
- 主动to take the initiative
- 主义-ism (ideology)
- 主持to host, to preside over
- 民主democracy
Antonyms
Origin
Oracle bone script shows a lamp or torch with a prominent flame, symbolizing the central or most important light. Over time it evolved to represent the concepts of master, chief, or primary.