主张

• Pinyin: zhǔ zhāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 主 = 丶(dot) + 王 (king); 张 = 弓 (bow) + 长 (long), meaning to stretch

Meaning

Advocate; assert; proposition. As a verb, to advocate for or insist on something. As a noun, a viewpoint or stance on an issue.

Used to express a strong opinion or position on a matter. As a verb, it means to advocate or propose a course of action. As a noun, it refers to a person's stance or proposition. Slightly more formal than 认为 (think/believe) and implies a more active position. Common in debates, discussions, and policy contexts.

Examples

1. 他主张大家应该多运动。 He advocates that everyone should exercise more.
2. 你对这件事有什么主张？ What is your position on this matter?
3. 她一直主张用和平的方式解决问题。 She has always advocated solving problems through peaceful means.

Usage Guide

Context: debate, discussion, policy

Tone: assertive

Do Say

• 我主张我们换一种方法。(I advocate that we try a different method.)
• 每个人都有自己的主张。(Everyone has their own views.)

Don't Say

• 我主张吃火锅。(For casual food preferences, 主张 sounds too formal — say 想 or 建议 instead)

Origin & History

主 (main, master) + 张 (stretch, expand). Together they mean 'to stretch forth one's main point,' hence 'to advocate' or 'assert.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal