Meaning and Usage
"主要" (しゅよう) means "main" or "chief," and it is used to indicate something that is the most important or central among others. It is often used in formal or written contexts but also appears in spoken Japanese.
Common Collocations
- 主要な目的 (しゅようなもくてき): main purpose
- 主要な駅 (しゅようなえき): main station
- 主要なメンバー (しゅようなめんばー): key member
These collocations show how "主要" modifies nouns to emphasize their importance.
Nuances and Register
"主要" is more formal than words like "大事な" (important) and is frequently used in business, academic, or official contexts. It conveys a sense of priority or centrality.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "主要" with "主な" (おもな), which also means "main." While both are similar, "主要" tends to be used in more formal or technical contexts, whereas "主な" is more common in everyday speech. Choosing between them depends on the formality and nuance desired.