侧重

• Pinyin: cè zhòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 侧 = 亻(person) + 则 (phonetic); 重 = pictograph of a heavy bundle

Meaning

To emphasise; to place stress on; to give priority to one aspect over others.

Used to describe a deliberate weighting of attention, resources, or approach. Common in academic writing, policy description, and curriculum design. Often followed by 于: 侧重于理论研究.

Examples

1. 这门课程侧重培养学生的批判性思维能力，而非单纯的知识记忆。 This course places emphasis on developing students' critical thinking rather than rote memorisation of knowledge.
2. 该政策在资源分配上明显侧重于欠发达地区，旨在缩小区域发展差距。 In resource allocation this policy clearly prioritises underdeveloped regions, aiming to narrow the gap in regional development.
3. 两位作者的研究方向相近，但侧重点有所不同，可以形成互补。 The two authors have similar research directions but differ in where they place their emphasis, making for a complementary pairing.

Usage Guide

Context: education, policy, research, analysis, planning

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 本报告侧重分析制度层面的深层原因，而非仅停留于表象描述。(This report places emphasis on analysing the deep-seated institutional causes rather than remaining at the level of surface description.)
• 教学改革应在打好基础知识的同时，更加侧重实践能力的培养。(Education reform should, while consolidating foundational knowledge, place greater emphasis on developing practical abilities.)

Don't Say

• 他侧重了那本书。(侧重 is not transitive with a bare noun object; use 他更注重那本书 or 他侧重于阅读那本书)

Origin & History

侧 (to incline to one side) + 重 (heavy, to give weight to). To tilt the weight towards one aspect.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal