为主

• Pinyin: wéi zhǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 为 = simplified from 為, to serve as; 主 = 王 (king) + 丶, main/master

Meaning

To focus on; mainly; primarily; with something as the main element.

Used to indicate that something is the primary or dominant element in a context. Typically appears in the pattern 以...为主 (with ... as the main focus). Common in descriptions of composition, emphasis, or priority. A useful phrase for expressing what something centers around.

Examples

1. 这次会议以讨论预算为主，其他议题放到下次。 This meeting will focus mainly on discussing the budget; other topics will wait until next time.
2. 南方菜以清淡口味为主，北方菜偏重口味。 Southern cuisine mainly features light flavors, while Northern cuisine tends toward heavier tastes.
3. 他的收入以工资为主，投资收益只占很小一部分。 His income mainly consists of salary, with investment returns making up only a small portion.

Usage Guide

Context: description, analysis, everyday

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 以学习为主。(Focus mainly on studying.)
• 以年轻人为主。(Mainly young people.)

Don't Say

• 为主重要 — 为主 already means 'primarily'; don't add redundant emphasis

Origin & History

Compound of 为 (to serve as) + 主 (main/primary), meaning to serve as the main element.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal