主流

• Pinyin: zhǔ liú
• Hanzi breakdown: 主 = a lamp with flame, meaning master/main; 流 = 氵(water) + 㐬, flowing water

Meaning

Mainstream; the dominant trend, idea, or group in society or a field.

Originally referred to the main current of a river. Now primarily used metaphorically to describe the dominant or prevalent aspects of culture, opinion, media, values, or technology. Contrasts with 非主流 (alternative, non-mainstream).

Examples

1. 这种观点已经成为学术界的主流看法。 This viewpoint has become the mainstream opinion in academia.
2. 主流媒体对这件事的报道相当一致。 Mainstream media coverage of this matter has been quite consistent.
3. 年轻人不一定要随波逐流，追求非主流也是一种选择。 Young people don't have to follow the crowd—pursuing alternatives is also a choice.

Usage Guide

Context: media, culture, society

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这是目前市场的主流趋势。(This is the current mainstream market trend.)
• 主流文化和亚文化相互影响。(Mainstream culture and subcultures influence each other.)

Don't Say

• 长江的主流很宽。(Not wrong, but the literal river meaning is less common now; specify 干流 for rivers)

Origin & History

Compound of 主 (main, primary) and 流 (flow, current). Originally meant the main current of a river, now metaphorically extended to dominant trends.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal