Translation and Meaning of: 主要 - shuyou

The Japanese word 主要[しゅよう] is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is related to something "principal," "fundamental," or "primary," and it is widely used in both formal and informal contexts. In this article, we will explore everything from the origin and writing to the everyday use of this expression, along with tips for memorizing it effectively.

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese use 主要 in their daily lives or what its importance is in documents and conversations, this text will clarify those doubts. Additionally, we will understand how this word relates to cultural values and why it is so frequent in discussions about business, education, and even in Japanese media. Shall we begin?

Meaning and use of 主要[しゅよう]

主要 is an adjective in the Japanese language that describes something as "main" or "most important." It is often used to highlight central elements in a context, whether in academic documents, business reports, or even in informal conversations. For example, when talking about the "main cities of Japan," you can use 主要都市[しゅようとし].

An interesting feature of this word is its versatility. It can be combined with various nouns to form specific expressions, such as 主要人物[しゅようじんぶつ] (main character) or 主要原因[しゅようげんいん] (main cause). This flexibility makes 主要 a valuable addition to the vocabulary of any Japanese language student.

Origin and writing of kanji

Analyzing the kanjis that make up 主要, we have 主 (shu), which means "master" or "main," and 要 (you), which carries the sense of "necessary" or "essential." Together, they reinforce the idea of something that is fundamental. This combination is not random – it effectively reflects the meaning of the word as a whole.

It is worth noting that 主 also appears in other important words, such as 主人[しゅじん] (head of the household, husband) and 主役[しゅやく] (main role). On the other hand, 要 is found in like 要点[ようてん] (main point) and 必要[ひつよう] (necessary). Knowing these radicals can greatly assist in memorization and understanding of related .

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fix 主要 in memory is to associate it with specific contexts. For example, think of "the main points of a meeting" (会議の主要な点) or "the main train stations" (主要な駅). Creating these mental connections helps to not only the meaning but also the situations in which the word is typically used.

Another valuable tip is to practice with authentic materials. Watching Japanese news or reading articles can reveal how 主要 appears naturally in discourse. Often, it appears in headlines or executive summaries, precisely because of its prominent nature. The more you expose yourself to real uses of the word, the more natural your learning will be.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 主力 (shuryoku) - Main force, main resources in an operation.
• 中心 (chuushin) - Center, the central part of something.
• 中核 (chuukaku) - Central element or essential core of a system.
• 中心的 (chuushinteki) - Central, which has an important or dominant role.
• 主体 (shutai) - Main entity, the element that gives shape or structure to something.
• 主要な (shuyou na) - Principal, predominant, which is of great importance.
• 主要部分 (shuyou bubun) - Main part of something, most important component.
• 主要な役割 (shuyou na yakuwari) - Main role, crucial function in a context.
• 主要な機能 (shuyou na kinou) - Main functionality, a vital task that a system must perform.
• 主要な目的 (shuyou na mokuteki) - Main objective, central intention in a project or action.
• 主要な問題 (shuyou na mondai) - Main issue that requires attention or solution.
• 主要な要素 (shuyou na youso) - Main elements that compose a whole.
• 主要な権限 (shuyou na kenkan) - Main powers, central authority in an organizational system.
• 主要な戦力 (shuyou na senryoku) - Main military force, essential tactical resources.
• 主要な産業 (shuyou na sangyou) - Main industry, most relevant economic sector.
• 主要な市場 (shuyou na shijou) - Main market, central economic area of trade.
• 主要な商品 (shuyou na shouhin) - Main product, item, most highlighted in a product line.
• 主要な地位 (shuyou na chii) - Main position, central status in an organization or society.
• 主要な目標 (shuyou na mokuhyou) - Main goal, central objective to be achieved.
• 主要な分野 (shuyou na bunya) - Main area of expertise, most relevant field of study or practice.