主角

• Pinyin: zhǔ jué
• Hanzi breakdown: 主 = a lamp with flame, meaning master/main; 角 = pictograph of an animal horn, extended to mean role

Meaning

Main character; protagonist; lead role; the central figure in a story, film, or play.

Refers to the primary character in any narrative work including films, TV series, novels, plays, and games. By extension, can describe the central figure in any situation or event. Contrasts with 配角 (supporting role).

Examples

1. 这部电影的主角是由一位新人演员出演的。 The lead role in this movie is played by a newcomer actor.
2. 在自己的人生舞台上，每个人都应该是主角。 On the stage of one's own life, everyone should be the protagonist.
3. 她终于从配角熬成了主角，付出了十年的努力。 She finally worked her way up from supporting roles to lead roles after ten years of effort.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, literature, metaphorical

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 谁是这部剧的主角？(Who is the lead in this drama?)
• 他在这场谈判中扮演主角。(He plays the leading role in this negotiation.)

Don't Say

• 这道菜的主角是盐。(A bit odd — ingredients are usually called 主料 or 关键, not 主角)

Origin & History

Compound of 主 (main, primary) and 角 (role, character). 角 originally meant horn or corner, and extended to mean role in performance.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal