主导

• Pinyin: zhǔ dǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 主 = lamp with flame (master); 导 = 道 (path) simplified + 寸 (inch) — to guide along a path

Meaning

To lead; to dominate; to play a leading role. As a noun, refers to the leading or dominant position.

Used to describe having a controlling or guiding influence over something. Common in business, politics, and academic contexts. Can function as both verb and noun/adjective.

Examples

1. 在这个项目中，技术团队起主导作用。 In this project, the technical team plays the leading role.
2. 市场经济应该由市场主导，而不是政府。 A market economy should be led by the market, not the government.
3. 她主导了整个谈判过程。 She led the entire negotiation process.

Usage Guide

Context: business, politics, academic

Tone: authoritative

Do Say

• 这个行业由几家大公司主导。(This industry is dominated by a few large companies.)
• 科技创新在经济发展中起主导作用。(Technological innovation plays a leading role in economic development.)

Don't Say

• 说'他主导了这顿饭' (Don't use 主导 for everyday activities like meals — it sounds overly formal; use 做主 or just 决定 instead)

Origin & History

主 (main, master) + 导 (to guide, to lead). Together they mean to take the leading role in guiding something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal